The advent of the automobile spurred a century worth of auto enthusiasts. The Model T, simple in its design and practical in its usefulness, began a revolution in getting from point A to point B. But the practical side of the automobile was soon left in the dust upon the debut of the roaring engines of the Corvette’s and Thunderbird’s of the 50′s and the Mustang’s and Challenger’s of the 60′s. The desire for big engines, speed, and slick looks trumped humdrum functionality.
Not unlike the transportation transformation, the style of doing Church traveled down a similar road. It used to be a simple assembling of believers in Christ Jesus, a time to interact with those of like precious faith that aroused the heart and stirred the soul. The Word of God was the center of mutual thought and discussion and Jesus’ finished work was the centerpiece of devotion. Simple. Practical. Sensible.
Then, the gear-head generation turned preacher as it would seem. As a matter of Church, the sensible was now dull, the practical out-dated, and the simple simply wouldn’t do. The race for the Mega-church was on and the assemblies of interactive believers began their transformation into assemblies of spectators. Big auditoriums, big platforms, big choirs, the upright piano now Grand, the pipe-organ now a multi-keyboard setup wired to elaborate mixers with amps pumping manufactured excitement through its tower speakers were the order of the day. Excitement, thrill, and emotional highs became all the rage among the redeemed. All of this with no need to actually engage in thoughtful discourses. Just a little small talk before and after the main event, then off to the restaurant to fuel the flesh some more with the rest of the Church crowd.
The Church should be a home for the family of God, not a show to attend. But the Church hitched up her wagon and the show hit the road. When she left home she didn’t know she left her first love behind as well. She assumed He would just tag along for the ride, but she just sped off leaving Him stranded on the side of the road. She still travels on and on, wandering about, picking up the occasional hitch-hiker and chasing after the latest wind of doctrine that’s passing by. A vagabond.
Someday, if she takes the time to look in the rear view mirror, just maybe she’ll miss home and realize what a long strange trip it’s been.
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