HOPE FOR THE HOME: The Church - the great ship of Zion

Third in a series of reflective articles addressing current worship trends in churches in America and how they evolved. Topics regarding marriage will resume shortly.

The church founded by Jesus Christ is often referred to as the “Great Ship of Zion.” Through the centuries, she has sailed through countless storms that sought to drive her aground. Yet this unsinkable, unwavering, unyielding ship continues to move through ever-changing cultures without altering either her message or her destination.

There is an intense strategy by trendy ministers, masquerading as devout biblical preachers, to steer the Great Ship of Zion off course. They unload their cargos of secular styles of entertainment guaranteed to fill a worship center without filling those who attend. 

The superficial is substituted for the sincere. This craving to be fashionable, cool, and relevant has changed both form and function of worship. 

Rather than the church sailing into the stormy seas of our culture, our culture has cruised into our churches and anchored on the front rows. As a result, the church welcomes the latest fads of worship without encountering the Father of worship.

Down through the centuries of changing cultures various Christian leaders have tried to make the Good News relevant to each emerging generation. Certain Christian scholars still meet and present their papers. Many Christian celebrities charge fees to expound on what is often superficial. 

A few Christian recording artists sing their songs, which all too often are indistinguishable from secular genres in their words and performances. Numerous Christian churches have adapted the user-friendly approach to worship guaranteed to offend no one. 

Individual Christian television personalities fail to practice privately what they preach publicly. Noteworthy Christian authors merge biblical fiction with biblical fact, which results in biblical illiteracy. 

Specific Christian pastors seeking ecumenical reconciliation are blending Christianity with other religions and the result is a Christless Christianity.

We have thrown overboard proven and effective programs in favor of new ones to "connect" with the current generation. The words, "Revival" and "Spiritual Awakening" are considered archaic words which belong to an era characterized by conservative passionate preaching, sincere salvation, devoted discipleship, and genuine church growth.

These established methods once served as reliable foundations for spiritual growth, but they are now being replaced by newer initiatives designed to appeal to contemporary tastes and preferences. In many cases, the influence of culture now overshadows the inspiration of the church. As a result, traditions and practices that once strengthened the church’s mission and message are being discarded. We are witnessing messages that leave people feeling approved, affirmed, and applauded rather than convicted, confessed, and cleansed. We raise our hands without bowing our hearts.

We have become a nation of spectators, a grandstand generation in the stadium, at the show, and at home watching television. Churches are increasingly marketed, promoted, and endorsed through celebrity influence. Superstars rather than servants are the new spokespersons for our religious culture. A strategy of convenience which involves little or no commitment is the foundation of too many churches. It is time to relaunch the Great Ship of Zion. The captain, even Jesus Christ, is the only one who can successfully navigate the turbulent waters of our counterculture.

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.