Seeker Friendly Church?

The idea of a "seeker-friendly" church is an oxymoron. It is a misunderstanding of what church is about and denies the biblical doctrine of mankind's fallen state. Scripture teaches that prior to conversion we are dead in our trespasses and sins and that apart from grace men do not seek after God.

"As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God,'" Rom. 3:10-11.

"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil," John 3:19.

To design a worship service based on unbelievers is 180 degrees opposite of the biblical model. Worship is for God not men. And church is primarily for believers, not unbelievers. The problem is, our culture's consumer-driven; entertainment mentality has crept into the church. Instead of a holy place of reverence, churches have become a multimedia experience replete with lights, smoke, a rock band, video presentations, and motivational speaking. Instead of going to church to celebrate the union we have with Christ through His blood, which has brought us into the family of God; to hear the exposition of Scripture, partake of the sacraments, and use the gifts God has given us in service to the body, we go to be entertained. And if we don't like the presentation; if it doesn't suit our tastes, we find another church. This is not what church is about. Don't mistake entertainment and the hip charisma of celebrity "pastors," for true worship.

The gathering of believers on the Lord's Day is to offer worship that is pleasing to God, to have genuine fellowship with other believers, and hear the Word faithfully preached, so that we may be conformed to the image of Christ, and be equipped to go out and share the gospel.

God is holy and worthy of untold honor. Therefore, our worship services should be centered on Him, not unbelievers. We should ask ourselves; does our church radiate the holiness and glory of God? Are the pastors and leaders pointing to His glory or their own? Is sound doctrine being taught so that members are built up in the faith and able to share it? Is the service designed to cater to shallow, consumer-driven Christians and so-called seekers, or focused on the unfathomable majesty of Jesus?