by Chris Steele

January 28, 2007

Our language is always changing. Some new words and expressions are used so often they become part of our every day speech. One such expression is “user friendly.” In this high-tech world in which we live, we appreciate “user friendly” machines, software, or instructions.

Many church-growth experts have argued that we need to make the church “user-friendly.” They’re not talking about computer projections being used in the auditorium for the song service or sermon outline. Today the “user friendly” church is one who has changed the worship to adapt to more contemporary styles. “User friendly” is whatever appeals to the masses; more upbeat music with instruments perhaps, or children’s worship, or a bit of hand-clapping and swaying, or more women involved in leadership, or dividing the congregation into cell groups, or even taking the Lord’s name off of the church sign.

Apart from the fact that God’s word does not approve of many of the changes that some are making, there is a new consensus that also suggests that this move is in the wrong direction. Statistics show that many young people are becoming more attracted to traditional forms of worship. They have plenty of the contemporary every day. They need a foundation on which to stand in an ever changing world. They are asking for spiritual truths that are both authoritative and unwavering. They are looking for roots and traditional family values in which to anchor their spiritual lives.

Consider the ancient prophet Jeremiah in his appeal to “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Men are bent on change — and there’s nothing new here! When will we learn that the tried, tested, and true still lies with God and his word?