Ray Johnson, senior pastor at Bayside Covenant Church near Sacramento, California states that their members are attracted by “a new style of worship.” He said, “We want to be a church for people who don’t like church.” “Community churches” change their “worship style” to make it more attractive. Choreographed drama, contemporary instrumental music, and multimedia presentations — all supported by professional-quality sound and lighting systems — are part of the new “worship
experience.”
Dogmatics are out of date and religious psychology now makes up the core material of “community church” sermons. Although “worship” services at “community churches” are high-tech and entertaining, there is not much expected of the audience. The “service” is a gathering of individuals more than a gathered congregation. In fact, their worship is more like watching television. This type of “worship” leaves the person religiously entertained, but not acceptable before the Lord.
But what appeals to the people may not be what God desires. The first century church engaged in worship that consisted of singing (Ephesians 5:19), praying (1 Timothy 2:1-3), partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-29), contributing of their means to the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 16:2), and spending time being devoted to the word of God (Acts 20:7). This is true worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Come and be a part of our scripture-based worship.
Kyle Campbell
