A Study of Contrasts.
Church Aspect #1: Communion.
In the 1st century this was based on Fellowship and a common meal. In the 21st Century it is more a Religious Ceremony.
Church Aspect #2: Worship.
In the 1st century this involved Active Participation. In the 21st century it is more Passive Observation.
Church Aspect #3: Witness.
In the 1st century the focus was Relationship with God through Jesus. In the 21st century the focus is more on winning the lost through Salesmanship.
Church Aspect #4: Ministry.
In the 1st century it was Pastoral. In the 21st century it is Social.
Church Aspect #5: Church Leadership.
In the 1st century this was through Appointed Overseers. In the 21st century it is organized by Talented Professionals.
Church Aspect #6: Church Growth.
In the 1st century growth began with Daily Addition, and then through Multiplication, as the word of life spread. In the 21st century much church growth comes through the high profiles of Megachurches in the Media.
Church Aspect #7: Missions.
In the 1st century this meant Going. In the 1st century it has come to mean supporting those who have Gone.
Church Aspect #8: Personal Confession.
In the 1st century personal confession of sin was “one to another”. In the 21st century it is heard most often through the Confessional.
Church Aspect #9: Discipleship.
In the 1st century discipleship involved Personal Mentoring. In the 21st century it comes most often through an appointed Christian Lifestyle Teacher.
Church Aspect #10: Fellowship.
In the first century fellowship was Communal. In the 21st century it is Choosier and more Selective.
Church Aspect #11: Church Life Itself.
In the 1st century church life was Interactive — more physiological than organizational. In the 21st century it is enjoyed through the benefits that come through Church Membership.
Church Aspect #12: Spiritual Gifts.
In the 1st century these gifts were of Mutual Benefit. In the 21st century, they are often used to Entertain Church Audiences.
Church Aspect #13: The Energy Source.
In the 1st century the Source was the Spirit of God. In the 21st century it is Human Drive, Natural Abilities, and its effects are visible in Performances.
Church Aspect #14: Church Buildings.
In the 1st century buildings were simply Functional. In the 21st century buildings are considered Sacred.
Church Aspect #15: Church Administration.
In the 1st century deacons helped to Integrate the inward Flow of new believers. In the 21st century they tend to place believers into talent-centered compartments.
Church Aspect #16: Church Members.
In the 1st century members were Producers. In the 21st century they are Consumers.
Church Aspect #17: Childcare.
In the 1st century childcare was seen as Parental. In the 21st century it is regarded as Educational.
Church Aspect #18: Bible Studies.
In the 1st century those who attended bible studies searched God’s Word so they could then Go Out and Do It. In the 21st century many who attend bible studies are, sadly, “hearers only”.
Church Aspect #19: Evangelism.
In the 1st century their mission vision was “Go and tell!” In the 21st century it is the opposite — “Come and see!”
Some of the above points may appear extreme but the purpose of this blog is to question the status quo — not to affirm it. Most could be qualified but to do so would weaken the challenges they present. My purpose is not to conform to an acceptable 21st century church standard but instead to point to those that are clearly revealed by the inspired writers of the New Testament. God bless one and all!