Local Church Controversy
Ok...so I have been reading everything concerning the Newspring church here in Anderson. If you are not aware of it...go HERE...and I understand any comment whether for or against is bound to insite a riot. My reason for posting is because I have been asked on more than one occasion what I thought. Instead of getting into a heated debate (which I personally find as a waste of time and energy, I've changed a little since I have a child who keeps me busy and tired) I am going to summize my thoughts here. If you like them good...if not, sorry.
Newspring has become one of the fastest growing churches in America. They have surely reached more people than many churches here in our area or for that matter in the nation. I believe what we have to be careful of is that we do not, in any way, bring a reproach on something God is doing. Now, before you make your mind up on whose side I am on...read on.
Just because something is growing doesn't mean it's of God. And, just because someone or some church does things a little different doesn't mean they are NOT of God.
Being a pastor in Anderson I have seen a lot transpire over the past couple of years. I have seen more people excited about church than ever before. In fact, I see magnets on almost every other car I see in town. So for that I am thankful. Whether that magnet or sticker is Newspring, Covenant, or any other.
Yet what really alarms me is we are talking about church but not becoming the church. Understand, I believe Church attendance is necessary for your walk with God. I also believe going to church doesn't give you a ticket to heaven. Church attendance is a by-product of your relationship with Christ. It's not a format by which you use to "apease" the God's.
Church attendance is to Christianity what intimacy is to marriage...it supports it...it makes the relationship stronger and better. Yet, church attendance doesn't make a Christian no more than intimacy alone make a marriage. It takes committment. It takes determination. It takes a change of life. So does being a Christian. Someone who attends church but their life is not changed hasn't truly come into relationship with Christ. I saw a church sign not long ago that read, "You can't live wrong and die right."
I see churches in this area growing and I praise God. Yet, in talking with a friend of mine, the crime rate is still going UP. Yet we talk about church. Teenage pregnancy is still as high in Anderson as almost anywhere else in the state. Yet we talk about church. Drugs are being used at a more alarming rate in Anderson every year. Yet we talk about church. So, what is the problem?
In this I am reminded of 2 Tim 3:1-5 which says, "having a form of godliness but denying it's power." Talking about sin without true repentance is fruitless. It does nothing.
My prayer is that no matter if it's Newspring or the church I pastor, we focus on true change. True change is all that really separates us from the world. Newspring, continue to follow God...making disciples of men and women here in Anderson. I vow to do the same.
Newspring has become one of the fastest growing churches in America. They have surely reached more people than many churches here in our area or for that matter in the nation. I believe what we have to be careful of is that we do not, in any way, bring a reproach on something God is doing. Now, before you make your mind up on whose side I am on...read on.
Just because something is growing doesn't mean it's of God. And, just because someone or some church does things a little different doesn't mean they are NOT of God.
Being a pastor in Anderson I have seen a lot transpire over the past couple of years. I have seen more people excited about church than ever before. In fact, I see magnets on almost every other car I see in town. So for that I am thankful. Whether that magnet or sticker is Newspring, Covenant, or any other.
Yet what really alarms me is we are talking about church but not becoming the church. Understand, I believe Church attendance is necessary for your walk with God. I also believe going to church doesn't give you a ticket to heaven. Church attendance is a by-product of your relationship with Christ. It's not a format by which you use to "apease" the God's.
Church attendance is to Christianity what intimacy is to marriage...it supports it...it makes the relationship stronger and better. Yet, church attendance doesn't make a Christian no more than intimacy alone make a marriage. It takes committment. It takes determination. It takes a change of life. So does being a Christian. Someone who attends church but their life is not changed hasn't truly come into relationship with Christ. I saw a church sign not long ago that read, "You can't live wrong and die right."
I see churches in this area growing and I praise God. Yet, in talking with a friend of mine, the crime rate is still going UP. Yet we talk about church. Teenage pregnancy is still as high in Anderson as almost anywhere else in the state. Yet we talk about church. Drugs are being used at a more alarming rate in Anderson every year. Yet we talk about church. So, what is the problem?
In this I am reminded of 2 Tim 3:1-5 which says, "having a form of godliness but denying it's power." Talking about sin without true repentance is fruitless. It does nothing.
My prayer is that no matter if it's Newspring or the church I pastor, we focus on true change. True change is all that really separates us from the world. Newspring, continue to follow God...making disciples of men and women here in Anderson. I vow to do the same.
posted by Pastor Scott King @ Friday, November 09, 2007
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