Church forms and methods reflect what we value

Posted by Alan Knox on Mar 8, 2011 in blog links | 3 comments

Leighton at “GraceWorks.ca” has written another very good and thought-provoking post called “Does church need to be biblical?”

In this post, Leighton asks if Scripture should inform the way that we “do” church, that is, the way that we meet together as the church. He remembers a prominent denominational leader telling him that the modern church should not learn how to meet together from the examples and commands of Scripture.

Later in the post Leighton makes a point that we should all consider. He writes:

The first objection I know some would make is that Paul isn’t speaking to the structure of the church just the attitude, ethics and values of the people in the church. I would agree to a point but we must remember that our forms and methods reflect what we value in the church. If the central expression of church requires nothing other than attendance, singing and listening from most people what message does that send? Does that communicate that there is equal concern for everyone in the body? Is it right that we value certain aspects of church ministry so much that we don’t have the time or the resources to ensure that everyone is cared for even a little bit?

Think about that a moment: [O]ur forms and methods reflect what we value in the church. This is absolutely true. If you want to know what you value as an individual, look at how you live your life and how you spend your time and money. Now, do the same for the church.

Are we valuing the right things? Are we valuing the right people?