16 September 2007
Buzz Word #4
“Contemporary”
This is the word, “relevance’s’” (buzzz) evil twin.
How so? Well, alot of churches believe that if they throw in some, “contemporary” (buzzz) stuff (dressing casual, drums, electric guitar, etc.) that automatically makes them relevant (buzzz). But if that were true, than anything contemporary (buzzz) would automatically connect to your audience.
But that connection is anything but automatic.
Why?
Because of a misunderstanding of what contemporary (buzzz) means.
Contemporary (buzzz) means (according to Dictionary.com):
|
contemporary |
(adj.) |
Belonging to the same period of time: a fact documented by two contemporary sources. |
|
contemporary |
(adj.) |
Of about the same age. |
|
contemporary |
(n.) |
One of the same time or age: Shelley and Keats were contemporaries. |
And relevant (buzzz) means:
|
relevant |
(adj.) |
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand. |
Do you see the difference?
Contemporary (buzzz) carries with it the idea of being ‘up to date.’ In otherwords, the thing your doing, saying, or presenting in 2007 needs to match 2007 in order to be contemporary (buzzz).
Let’s take music for example. If your church’s music sounds like something right out of the 1950’s then you obviously aren’t concerned with it being ‘up to date.’ In fact, you might have a church full of Elvis fans, or people who are just diehard 50’s aficionados
If that’s your target, than you aren’t being contemporary (buzzz), but you might be very relevant (buzzz). If something is relevant, it connects with the group you are trying to reach.
It speaks their language.
It scratches their itch.
It makes sense to them.
The problem with churches who simply throw in an electric guitar and some drums because they think they’ve discovered the panacea for church growth is that they are not being true to who they are. They aren’t being authentic (buzzz). And people can spot inauthenticity from a mile away.
Now, let me throw another wrench into the works.
Did you know that there are a lot of churches today reaching thousands and thousands of new people, not by being contemporary (buzzz), but rather, by returning to traditional worship? Some are even going back to ancient (buzzz) forms of worship. I’ve even seen some where the feel is like you stepped back into the middle ages.
Far from contemporary (buzzz).
But very relevant (buzzz).
Very authentic (buzzz).
How can that be?
Simple, they know their target (buzzz). They understand who they are trying to reach and that being contemporary (buzzz) is not necessarily relevant (buzzz).
Its an important lesson to learn of you really want to see your church reach the culture.
That’s why at Southbrook we could care less about being contemporary (buzzz).
But we care very much about being relevant (buzzz).
Oh, one more thing.
I read my buddy’s post from the other day and was greatly encouraged about a freedom I have been experiencing over the last year.
I’m talking about the freedom to go after the unchurched, dechurched, confused, disenfranchised, hurting, seeking, hellbound, lost person with everything I’ve got!
You say, What’s the big deal about that Pastor Rob? I mean you’ve been going after those folks as long as we’ve known you?
7 Comments currently posted.
Amanda Wulff says:
Patricia "off the wagon girl" says:
I was at the Hospital a couple of weeks ago for some testing and there I was prying to God and everything Holy (like off the wagon people do when they are in trouble) to please help me, to guide me, to let me strike by something and send my butt back to church and most of all that my test came back ok..(I know it sounds ugly but a least I’m honest) I was prying to be able to be connected…Well 2 nurses at the Monroe hospital are new South Brook members and even though they were complaining about the seat situation on Sundays…They mention something that it sounded like music to my ears..The church has an i-pod post..well to make a long story short I got my butt up and ask them how to get it (after they got over the shock that I was not a mexican and they I spoke “ingles”) they gave me the info…Thank you..Nurses…and thank you P.Rob..I fell like I got my own Brook in my car..And I know is not like going to church but a least it gives me a connection..
Hey P.Rob, maybe one day you could say that prayer that you say after every service the one about giving your self to God for the first and maybe again.it would be nice to listen to it again….Patty.
Kate says:
At the church i’m attending here in PA were are doing a series titled Crash- referring to rhino’s who run up to 30mph, but can only see 30 feet infront of them- and how we as Christians really should be running full speed ahead for Christ, no matter how far ahead we see.
This past Sunday the pastor was sharing how so often we try to do what other’s need or want us to do, instead of doing what we do best. yes, it’s very giving to think of the ‘team’ first, but really we need to think about God first and what He requires of us, and do that the best we can, and that will be the best thing for the ‘team’.
Rob, God has clearly called you to be ‘relevant’ and share Christ with all those untouched by him. So do that. Do that the best you can (as I believe you are), and that will be the best for the rest of us at Southbrook. And the rest of us need to hear what God wants us to do, and do that the best we can. and that will be the best way we can serve others and our great God.
Michael says:
Yes! I am a teacher by trade and let me tell you, I have been around people who think that they are connecting with their students they talk to - or should I say “at” and it is amazing how they really think that they are doing it the right way. Of course, they are not. I remember when I taught that way, too.
So, what is the difference? Understanding. As a believer, I need to have understanding just like I do as a teacher. In the Christian realm it is sometimes called discernment or the leading of the Holy Spirit. Though Southbrook does not blow the trumpets about the Holy Spirit, it is obvious to me that He is speaking and the leadership is listening. What makes it revelant is the leading of the Holy Spirit speaking through us to connects with people who are seeking the Lord, whether for the first time or everyday.
Elizabeth says:
Dear Patty, I hope that you read these other posts because as I read your post I was saddened, I clicked off the link and went about my other duties. I have had this nagging feeling all day that I should say something to you. So here it goes.
I am not sure of your background but know that the Lord Loves you know matter what.
I am glad that you have made some kind of a connection with church and with Christ, and we would love to see you in the Church as well. However you may be shocked and taken aback a little, we are not your ordinary church family. We all come from many different backgrounds-representing many many many different Countries- and probably just as many different belief’s (religion) but there is one thing I can tell you that most of us agree apon!! Jesus Christ is Lord and we Love Him…
As you listen to Rob on his IPost listen to his Heart, not just the words and you will see that this is true. So If you ever feel froggy and really want to “Get off the Wagon Girl” take a deep breath and take the next step. Join us
God Bless
Jay Foreman says:
Sunday I stopped by to see how the 101 & 301 classes were going. I love being around the excitement of Christ followers. 301 class was FULL to the brim…. Mrs. Daryl H. was looking great with her spikey due…love it!
101…. 40 folks getting filled by Rob….lucky…..
So, where was I during the 8:30 service today???? check it out here….. http://www.jayforeman.blogspot.com
Smart Links for 9-29-07 | Smart Pastor says:
[...] new read of mine, Rob Singleton, shares his rational on why churches are not called to be contemporary but relevant. Good [...]
Pastor Rob, what do you say to people who are so stuck in their way or worship or “doing church” ? I have many friends who believe that church should be done a certain way and if I throw out a different view they shut off. These kind of people seem to be the hardest ones to talk to and they seem to be everywhere, christians and non-christians. I try to explain that as long as a church is worshiping God and preaching the truths of the Word, the dress, music, and building shouldn’t matter. Some people just shut down when they hear the word contemporary and think that our church must be just putting on a concert and forgetting how to be reverant before God. I don’t feel like it is an issue to fight with a person over, which church they should go to, but I believe you and southbrook church are seeking to bring people to a better understanding of God, his Word, and a relationship they can have with him.