greatness...i'm sure the video wasn't talking about any texas pastor in particular :)

Been there, seen that.

I don't speak the language. What's "seeker-sensitive" mean?

Well, it is a bit of insider humor. And I don't follow this history exactly so my dates may be off. But in the 1980s, the so-called "church growth movement" was big. The idea was not to speak theological truth and let people respond or not. But instead to try to be relevant. To discover people's "felt needs" and craft your sermons and church to meet those needs.

A seeker sensitive service was one without a lot of insider language and theological depth, designed to be comfortable for people who were exploring Christianity, perhaps, and wanted to ease into it.

The whole thing is just awful, to my way of thinking. Look, Christianity is a religion. It's a faith movement. As such, adherents need to be true to themselves. The calling of the church is to proclaim truth and justice, and to live lives worthy of our calling. People can join us or laugh at us or whatever.

And of course, churches that were "relevent and hip" and all that did tend to grow and become big churches. Joel Osteen might be considered an extreme example.

In the late 1990s, the idea of Church growth as a sign of God's blessing faded somewhat. Thank goodness. The emergent church movement well, emerged, and more emphasis is being put on being honest and authentic, rather than trying to figure out how to get people to join your church.

Interesting video. Sometimes, though, I think, in the 'emerging church' world, taking mean shots at 'the big boys' is the lower road. Like, that last line in the video was borderline hate-centered and not loving or fun-poking in any way.

Size can cause problems at any church. Cathedrals can be isolating, the trade-off being that size gives you the money and concentrated talent to do cool things: run a Gregorian chant service, open a soup kitchen, etc. Megachurches were invented around the idea that growth for growth's sake as the primary indication that God favors a church.
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It's hard to see how one person can, in any meaningful sense, be pastor to 100 000. There is a danger to the megachurch pastor's soul, and I think that's what the video is addressing. Church growth for its own sake is something that often builds up the power and prestige of the pastor more than it edifies the congregation. This is not a trap that every megapastor falls into, but it is a temptation built into the heart of the megachurch model.
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Kin, the "only reward he's going to get" line references the sermon on the mount. If a pastor starts caring more about numbers than about the discipleship of every member of the congregation, then being "honored by men" really is the only reward that pastor can expect for his preaching.

that...is...brilliant.

One good thing to come out of the "seeker-sensitive" movement was a change in language. Not in what was said, but recognizing that to reach people you need to speak their language. Certainly some vocabulary is inescapable, but there's no good reason to refer to the "narthex" when "lobby" will do, for example, and everyone will know what it means. Of course, I still find myself referring to it that way sometimes :-/

Just trying out your new comment options here. Wow, no more log-in. Where have I been? When did this happen?

Certainly some vocabulary is inescapable, but there's no good reason to refer to the "narthex" when "lobby" will do,

'Purposed' is my bugbear. How many people in Real Life say 'purposed'?

'We purposed to use plain English'?

God's Word is still being preached. Remember Gamaliel's word in Acts 5:34-39? If it is of human origin, then it will fail. But if it is from God, then it cannot be stopped. May God's Name be lifted up!
Wishing you Easter blessings!

I've never even heard 'purposed' and had to look it up. Purpose, yes, and repurpose sometimes, but purposed was new.

if a church grows exponentially, it must be doing something wrong. if a church is not growing much, it must be focusing on quality rather than quantity.

something just doesn't sound right.

Let me guess. You're a pastor of a small church?

Bitter, bitter old man. Can't be great, so we shoot all the ones who are.

Jesus, Jesus! We saw people speaking in your name and we told them to shut- up.

What!? Man, leave them alone. If they are not against, Me they are for Me.

I think I read that in a religious book once.

Many of you Christian pastors are just jealous dumb asses!

The only thing I found humorous about this is that someone WASTED time and money mocking fellow Christ-followers because the way they do church is different and entertaining. And I am so disappointed that you, a fellow Christian, would throw the very truths of the Bible that you preach from out the window and put your stamp of approval on this backbiting video by posting it on your blog. Why would your unbelieving friends ever want to join in our faith in Christ when they see that we are just as mean and vindictive as the world they live in is.

As the wife of a pastor and the daughter of a pastor, I am pretty familiar with the Bible. Jesus spoke to large masses and was entertaining as he told stories to make his points relevant. But these pastors, while not perfect (but who is really?) are ridiculed most often by other ministers for having large churches for reasons not even supported by the Bible.

God said go into all the world and preach the gospel. Translation: Reach AS MANY PEOPLE as you can to keep them from spending an eternity in hell. What my Bible doesn't read is the subtext-just don't wear Tommy Bahama shirts while you are preaching My Word and sell coffee to them afterwards. And don't drive anything nicer than a Honda Civic.

Are you serious!?

No wonder Christ was often angry with religious leaders.

1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails.

I not understend what U want

I think we should keep to the bible...

jill xx

The bible is so important to me! I read versus everynight

Kirsty x

Okay we will go thru it its dull and boring. Enjoy your life its only for once.
Regards,
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The article is no more interesting and it is difficult to understand you guys.
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Wow talking about spending so much time doing a fun video without doing the hard work of research before hand. Bummer! I am a Pastor at a mega church and the drag is this video is miss leading and really dangerous. I love humor done right - and for right causes. I won't waste alot of time here - but here is one learning for those who put this video together. Learn the diffence between mega church language. You through in "Prosperity" church method in with the "Seeker" church method - yikes that couldnt be more off. There is a big difference between the penticostal - prospertity communication from those like Joel Olsteen's and alike compared to the churches led by Pastor's of "Seeker" churhces like Rick Warren & Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley etc. BTW - you know "Seeker" is another word for those who are lost seeking God right? You do know that thousands have come to know Jesus Christ through each of these churches led by these Pastor's right? You know eternal reality - Biblical truth of heaven & hell. You must have researched to know the difference between method and principle truth right? Kinda like how we have to have water to live but we don't have a bunch of woman bringing it to us in huge containers carried on their heads. We have very relevant ways we get our water - we have to have water - we don't want to mess with the water - but the way it is delievered to us - I am glad I don't have to go drive down to the river to fill up the trunk with it.
Anyway - we better grow up - and realize how we can relevantly share the eternal truth of Christ without compromise. Remember - Jesus during His ministry on earth was most angered by those who wanted their religion over the relationship He desires for all who have ears to hear. "If they're not against us, they're for us Jesus said." Get over your method and get real...then you can be all He intended you to be to lead people to a life of faith & Christ and then on the journey to full devotion on life at a time.