It seems the latest controversy in the media centers on churches not having services on Christmas day. I've read a couple of internet articles that all led with the same thought: Churches have been sucked into a consumer mindset and are closing at Christmas.
In fact, here's a quote from an article, "This is a consumer mentality at work: 'Let's not impose the church on people. Let's not make church in any way inconvenient,'" said David Wells, professor of history and systematic theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a leading evangelical school in Hamilton, Massachusetts. "I think what this does is feed into the individualism that is found throughout American culture, where everyone does their own thing."
Unfortunately, the writers of these stories tease with the controversial idea--no church on Christmas. In that same article, after lambasting a church in Texas for holding no services on Christmas, they finally mentioned that the church is holding 21 special Christmas services, leading up the actual day. In fact, they anticipate over 30,000 people to attend those services--just not on the day.
The professor is simply misguided. I do not know of a church that is canceling on Christmas without replacing that service with a Christmas Eve service. For us the decision came down to this: the last time Christmas was on a Sunday we had less than half of the normal attendance. However, Christmas Eve service is a great time to invite friends and family to church. Our family has gone to First Assembly for church on Christmas Eve for years.
So here's what we thought--when can we reach more people--Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? We chose to have service on the day we could reach the most people with the message of the gospel. It's just that simple.
So, let's give out those Candles, Carols, and Christmas Eve invitations and pack the place out! Remember, the service starts at 4 PM.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Tradition? The church continues to evolve, no Wednesday night services, no Sunday night services… Now, no Christmas. I have been saved for over 30 years, been a member of numerous churches and denominations throughout the West; LA, Seattle, San Diego… But, never have I seen Sunday services on Christmas cancelled. Is this a new phenomenon? What has changed? Granted, we have replaced some of these services with “groups”. But, it seems the gathering of the Saints is occurring less and less?!?!
A decision was made to reach the most people with the gospel. Our service was changed from Sunday to Saturday.
In the matter of the "gathering" of the saints; let us take this issue to heart. Open your home to your brothers and sisters and celebrate the goodness of God. Invite those who are non-Christian to fellowship with you and your Christian family. Jesus warned us about religion and how it can poison our hearts. If we all lived like His coming would be that day, what would our day look like?
Enjoy this Sunday with your family and friends. Rejoice in God's love for us. I think everything else will fix itself.
We have both a Christmas eve Service, which we've done for 20 years, plus we are having a Sunday morning communion service. The main thrust for the Christmas Eve service is invite family and friends and the Christmas morning communion service is to focus on what Jesus did for us with no particular outreach emphasis.
Post a Comment