Ok, it is true that single Christians often feel neglected but that is part of the Purpose Driven model. I remember my fist Assemblies of God Men's Conference someone asked me what I thought and I said that it would be nice if they acknowledged single Christians exist because none of the workshops dealt with anything for singles. The following year they had one workshop, taught by a married Christian telling us not to worry, God had someone for us. So, I agree about the tone deafness. Here is the problem, it has nothing top do with the subject at hand. If people are leaving churches because there are not enough activities for singles, that is merely a by-product of not hearing the gospel. If they were transformed by the Christ then those petty offenses would fall by the wayside. When I was saved, I just wanted to hear more about Jesus, not why there was not a singles mixer.
"7. Churches feel like a step back in time for many young people. While the over-the-top seeker-friendly churches aren't necessarily doing the trick for the next generation, many still feel like most churches are outdated. When it comes to values, some may have a lack of biblical understanding, however, the approach in which the next generation is seeking information is different from previous generations. While it can be disheartening to see a next generation acting so rebellious in the topic of church-going, the truth here is that what they are looking for is the authentic reality of the gospel. What they need isn't just hearing a good message that makes them feel good for five minutes, but instead, they need a place to steward and cultivate a relationship with Jesus worth having. To know Him intimately, and to see the love of Him poured out through those around them. The early church leaders gave an example in Acts of what the church should look like. Perhaps its time to get back to this core gospel message." - Charisma News
Well, fair points. The problem of course is that Charisma News is part of the problem. They platform, support and defend rank heretics and people who do lead uber-seeker friendly churches. The lost are not rebelling against church going but rather against going to churches that are hypocritical and do nothing for them spiritually. Why get up on a Sunday morning to hear the same club music you heard the night before and then a 20-minute motivational message about how great they are? Oh, and then be shook down for 10% of their money. The church in the Book of Acts preached the gospel. They read scripture. You cannot cultivate a relationship with Jesus without hearing the gospel. I understand that some of this sounds reasonable and some of it is. The problem is the source it is coming from is entirely unreasonable. Charisma News is a cesspool of NAR politics and Charismaniacal abuses. Perhaps the author of this article is genuinely concerned about the lies being fed to the lost through churches devoid of God and His word. If they would just look in the mirror, they would see however that the true enemy is thyself. These seven reasons were listed as why "because the bible told me so" does not work for this generation. Doctrinally, we call that the inerrancy of scripture. We believe God wrote the bible and therefore it contains no errors. So, when people say why, answering because the bible says so, is a reflection of our faith, not some esoteric gobbledygook. Arguing that scripture is no longer inerrant or should not be presented as such is exactly what the devil wants in these end times. For the "church" to decide that we need something other than God's word. As if we have the power to actually save people instead of the gospel. I am not surprised this is the position Charisma would hold. Just surprised it took them this long to admit it.
Reverend Anthony Wade - July 26, 2024
