Why do some Christians get mad when churches bring modern equipment and a contemporary feel into the church?

Question

Why do they just assume a church is spending all their money on this stuff? Churches use that stuff to bring people INTO the church to hear a message that might change their lives. Sure, some go overboard and only care about money, but is bringing modern aspects into the church really a bad idea, assuming they don't go against God's word?

I attend a large church where people would not be able to see, hear, or even stand in the sanctuary if it weren't for this type of stuff. I mean face it, human nature is drawn to things we like and are comfortable, would most people go to a church where they had to stand the entire time or could barely hear the preacher? Of course not. Is it shallow, yes, but that's how humans are. Is it too naive to think some churches actually use these as tools to reach out to people? Just because big screens, sound systems, and drums aren't overtly Christian doesn't make them wrong.

And I know people will bring up "well the church should use the money to help those in need"
Well you can't really help them if there is no one in the church to give money. The idea is, the more people who come in, the more they give, and the more money the church has to give out. Are people just so jaded they think these churches are just about numbers and fancy stuff?

Answer 1

I understand where you are coming from, but keep in mind that not every single church is full of thousands of members. There are some that are perfectly content in very small communities being the 100 members that have been there for most of their lives. Does it mean the church isn't doing anything? Hardly. It is serving the community around them. It just so happens that the community is very small. Not every church NEEDS the fancy, modern equipment to bring people in. And, in some cases, it will push people away. For some, it is not comfortable or intriging. It is intimidating. Some people didn't grow up looking at stuff like this. You, likely, grew up watching technology change. Some people in churches can remember when the TV was first invented. You've probably never had a day without it. Think about everyone. I understand where you are coming from, but church is different because EVERYONE is different. One church cannot serve the needs of everyone. Yes, some people are drawn to THAT atmosphere. But, others, are not. You have to keep in mind BOTH types. If your church feels called to serve the ones drawn to that big church feel, then go for it! Do what you are called. However, if there is another that isn't called to that, then, let them do their calling.

Answer 2

I don't really have a problem with modern equipment. However, I'm a traditionalist in worship, particularly in the area of church music. My church uses classical music, and I like that very much. It gives a deep sense of reverence to a service, rather than making it seem as if I've just wandered into the local coffeehouse. If the music gets too overly modern, I don't have a problem with people enjoying that all they want to, but personally, I'll go elsewhere. The proper atmosphere of reverence in a church is what, to me, helps separate sacred time from normal time. In my opinion, church isn't a carnival sideshow, and religion shouldn't be cheapened for the sake of entertaining the parishioners.

Answer 3

How about million dollar fireworks displays, indoor gymnasiums, full-time accountants making over $100,000 a year. This does exist in southwest Missouri.

I'm not saying churches need to do without heating, air conditioning, etc, but I think a lot of it goes too far.

A survey has been done, anyway, which shows most of the people going to the more modern churches aren't being more religious; it becomes a social thing, not a religious thing.

Answer 4

You make some excellent points. I'll star you for this one.

Some older folks are uncomfortable with such innovations as guitars and drums and blue jeans because they believe it is being disrespectful of the Lord's house.

And, there are always the prunes who disapprove of fun in any setting.

I stopped attending church many years ago because I was discouraged from questioning some of the rituals.

I loved to sing, and I was in the choir until I was booted out because I couldn't read music.

I hope that your church answers your needs, and I'm right behind you all the way, waving a flag for you.

Answer 5

A variety of reasons.
Some human beings don't like change.

Deeper than that, over time a sense of "Holiness", "Sacredness" can be transferred to a ritual, a dress code or a type of song, which it never had when it was new (It may almost become sacrilege to realise, it too, was once an "innovation")
I used regularly to cycle past a church in London which proclaimed "1662 [prayerbook] used in all services."
I never quite had the courage to go in and ask why, though I had my suspicions.
It could have been because they believed the theology of that prayerbook has never been surpassed. (I could make a case)
Or it could have been that they felt it was more religious to address God in Jacobean English.

(of course, there also exists the reverse prejudice, that "New" is always "Better")

Answer 6

Some Christians resist change of any kind, and change at church makes them crazy because they feel threatened--like they are losing something very precious to them.

Others "get mad" because they are selfish. They don't think about what God might ask them to do or to give up in order to reach other people because they have stopped thinking about those who don't believe.

How your church spends the money God gives is up to the leaders of your church. They are the ones who will answer to God for their decisions. I believe that God uses many different ways to reach people--including, but not limited to, "big screens, sound systems, and drums."

Blessings.

Answer 7

i can understand using a mic to be heard, yet as Christians we are to be break away the international and cutting-side issues. i bypass to a church the place we placed on our terrific outfits through fact it is God's domicile and we could tutor admire. the female all gown perfect and you will possibly by no potential discover one in pants or any gown/skirt exhibiting a thigh. i think of the worst element people ever achieved replaced into turn God's song into rock/rap and despite else is obtainable. We shouldn't replace God or the bible to extra healthful into immediately's society. it is in simple terms incorrect.

Answer 8

If there is a separate service for the traditionalists and one for the younger crowd, I see nothing wrong with what you described. I don't believe however in watering down the gospel.

Answer 9

I really think it is because of their traditions. I have heard things like, "well, we never needed air conditioning before". Its just old people not comfortable with change.

Answer 10

Most people don't like change. Notice they sit in the same pew all the time.