Over the last few issues of the Baptist Courier there has been quite a few letters to the editor condemning new church starts. Much of the criticism centers on methods and style. Although I’m biased, here is something to think about. You won’t find this stuff in the Bible.¦
Hymnals
Sunday School
Constitutions and Bylaws
Pipe Organs (interestingly enough, you do find drums and stringed instruments)
Sunday Bulletins
Children’s church
Pulpits
Baptistery’s
60 minute church services
Ministers of Youth, Music, or Education
Preaching verse by verse through the Bible
Topical sermon series
Does that mean all of these things are wrong? Of course not! But so much of what we do as a church, even in the most traditional church, is the result of man-made thinking in the church. Churches across the board have adopted a certain way to do things, something that was not prescribed in the Bible, but something they determined to be effective in accomplishing Christ’s mission. Before you’re so quick to judge a church for being different, just remember that there were no organs in the upper room.
Anything else you want to add to the list?