How many Christians are sick of "entertainment church" instead of real church?

Question

I have had it with my church. I feel like I should be eating popcorn and sitting in a theater chair. I go to a Baptist church, and our music minister even said something about it being entertainment. What happened to worship? Don't get me wrong, I love comtemporary Christian music, but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! My kids don't even know many traditional hymns. In children's church, the music is so loud I know it's going to damage their hearing - ask me how I know. HUH? (too much loud music over the years for me, too). We are going to try a new church this morning that has a traditional morning and a little more contemporary in the evening.
I won't even start on the watered-down preaching.

Any others agree with me? Are ya sick of entertainment/

NOT catholic. the RCC is a false- religion.

Answer 1

Without a doubt it is time and long past time to return to the religion of our fathers. Maybe we need to go back the the practices of our great grandfathers. The thing is, is that most organizations today are more concerned with numbers than with souls. The way to bring in the numbers is to offer entertainment and folks feel good after the show. They have been told the things they want to hear and have been given a pat on the back and invited back next week to be entertained again.

This is not what God set up.

We are to gather together for the worship of God. He should be the central theme of any service. We can worship him in song, yes but not as entertainment. We need to hear the Gospel preached to the salvation of souls and the edification of the saints.

The purpose of the Lords' church is to TEACH!

Answer 2

First, I cannot agree with you about the Catholic church. Where it teaches Christ as Savior and Lord it is right on target. The rest, I do not know enough about to cast stones so to speak.

Now to your original question. I've been having a tough time at our church. It seems to be run so "professionally" and led less by the Holy Spirit than a particular time frame.
3 songs here, prayer, 2 more songs, prayer and then the message... then maybe move the offertory to the end or simply put baskets at the back of the chapel.

I am thinking of just going to the traditional service for a while. Sometimes I go back and visit my old Pentecostal church, just to be in a service where it seems more led by the Spirit.
But perhaps that disappointment or discommunication has more to do with my walk than with the "entertainment value"?

I am not Catholic by the way.

Answer 3

Maybe you just need to find a different church? There are seasons of time when you need different things. An "entertainment church" sometimes attracts younger people (because of the music and energy) or people who are transitioning into church. They also tend to be evangelistic too - which is great! I like going to "entertainment churches" sometimes - they are uplifting and a source of encouragement - plus sometimes that have really good practical teaching.

But, you might need something else. Maybe you need to go to a church that has a heavier teaching emphasis. A lot of these types of churches tend to have more hymns (because many hymns really teach) - they are often smaller too.

I attended a teaching church for a few years until I moved. It was good because it helped me to get grounded in the word of God and I'll be forever grateful.

But the church that I liked best is one that was really small, had a strong teaching ministry, yet was contemporary, and they really flowed in the spirit. I really miss it and wish that I could find something similar here.

Answer 4

We have "modern" Christian music before the service, with a few guitars. Those who want to partake can come early. During service, it's traditional. A balance does need to be struck. Just because it isn't in the old hymnal doesn't mean it's not worship music. On the other hand, just because it's old doesn't mean it's not glorious.

The watered-down preaching is another issue. Good luck finding any church that is preaching straight out of the Bible and nothing but. And I don't mean just a reading, either. The dilemma seems to be do I (1) preach from the Bible to an empty house, or (2) Give the audience what it wants and have a full house?

Answer 5

I know what you are saying. There are churches that are 80% music and 20% preaching. Plus some churches are just too noisy. That is why when I do go to church it is a catholic church. Plus I like the sermons, when they relate the scriptures to real life. It gives you something to think about on the way home. Some ministers/preachers are very good at this, but some are not. I guess you have to be be a good public speaker in order to be a minister/preacher.

Edit:
"NOT catholic. the RCC is a false- religion"


Well forget you then,

Answer 6

That music sounds like my church, but we ARE worshiping God. My pastor has been our pastor for over 40 years since the church opened up over 40 years ago.
We have 3 services and the early morning service is the very traditional one.
The middle one is kindof middle ground and the last one is contemporary.
I go to Sagemont church in Houston, Texas
if you ever come to Houston check us out!
We love the Lord!
Maybe you could see if you church has different services?

Answer 7

Suzi,
YOU are absolutely right! I attended a number of different church services over the years then my wife and I found a Non-Denominational Church that follows ONLY the BIBLE and have no man-made doctrines. We have been very pleased with their services and do not intend to leave it without good reason. Make certain that the members and the Church is Biblical and that it preaches what is "Truth". Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds



.

Answer 8

Yes! The church should feed the flock the Word, with understanding, not entertain it.

Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD,
that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread,
nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

Answer 9

the problem to day is people have turned thier churchs into ice boxes and way to much formality. they go for the wrong reasons, so they get wrong results they are to shy to yell praise the lord. there are unbelivers in leadership who shouldnt be then you have the show casers, there to impress someone. aoerson has to have this motive,i am going to church and praiseand worship jesus, if we go with this motive god will bless.. -preachers who are coldand informal dont have the anointing ,have put themselfs in the pulpit know some. i have preached over 700 sermons in the last3 years, they have all been great and filled with the holy ghost, i am not boasting christ gets
the glory and praise. i wish you could come tto my church you would
see what i mean. its all a matter of having a heart for god like you have. thanks god bless you anl lead you to a true church that goes to worship. love paster carney

Answer 10

We try to make the church too "relevant" nowadays. Everything has to cater to someone's specific taste all the time. We need gamers night in order to be relevant to teens, we need old folks hymns to be relevant to senior citizens, we need to have bright shiny guitars to be relevant to today's youth who's just craving a christian version of coldplay...

Well, actually... we don't. What could be more relevant than preaching Christ crucified?

There's nothing wrong with hosting social events, but if scripture is not what is attracting people to church, then scripture is not what is at the heart of that church.