tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9901815.post116643056021060416..comments2023-06-04T14:47:02.324+01:00Comments on a sideways glance: Exposing the fault linessimonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13470335172330595542noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9901815.post-1166447194590325102006-12-18T13:06:00.000+00:002006-12-18T13:06:00.000+00:00It could be argued that those who are so set on do...It could be argued that those who are so set on doing things according to a particular tradition or worshipping in a particular building are slaving away in bondage to an idol. Preach and teach for their conversion! ;-)Wulfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14122559314286527166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9901815.post-1166444762802949622006-12-18T12:26:00.000+00:002006-12-18T12:26:00.000+00:00Hi Simon,Thank you for your honesty and I, for one...Hi Simon,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your honesty and I, for one, believe it is healthy to air these concerns. <BR/>I like Wulf's point that people who are unhappy with the situation should seek other churches. The problem I see with this is that the type of people Simon is describing are often adverse to change and having different services to pick from is one thing, but going to a new church is probably out of the question. <BR/>So I think Simon's suggestion is a good one that certainly deserves further exploration with all parties involved, getting round the table as it were, and talking these issues through. <BR/>As for who would lead all these services - what a fantastic opportunity for more people to be involved, rather than simply being spectators - who knows what hidden talents lie undiscovered. On a smaller scale those seeking this kind of ministry may have a safer environment in which to explore.<BR/>One option which seems to me to be not open is the current atmosphere where people are expressing their intolerance in whatever way. Paul in his letter to the Galatians has a severe warning about biting and devouring one another. Instead he says that we are to serve one another in love. To do that will involve a huge amount of prayer (I echo Simon's request for prayer here), and reliance on the Holy Spirit and I believe this would be exactly the way God would want the church to handle it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9901815.post-1166437111916435592006-12-18T10:18:00.000+00:002006-12-18T10:18:00.000+00:00Where are you going to find enough people to lead ...Where are you going to find enough people to lead three or four separate services? Where will you find time to bring them together to ensure the teaching programme stays consistent even if you are going to be singing from different hymn books / song sheets / acetates / funky video projections?<BR/><BR/>There are plenty of churches around with different styles; perhaps it would be better if people went to a church they felt comfortable with, celebrating our diversity. If that means local churches being more aware of each other and engaging in more conscious co-operation, that has to be a good thing.Wulfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14122559314286527166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9901815.post-1166435393620324822006-12-18T09:49:00.000+00:002006-12-18T09:49:00.000+00:00Simon these are very interesting comments and tens...Simon these are very interesting comments and tensions. I would personally favour a multi-service approach to Church with a variety of ethos. Is this a capitulation to consumerism I have been asked. MMMM? If so this is risky for by such we enter the market of demands - but on the other hand to be sure, with any style of service even a traditional one we are choosing a style that will connect with some and not with others. My own concern as I am sure with you has been not so much to offer those who are attending variety - but to seek to reach by variety those for whom the existing style is not connecting.Stuart Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08107195255166362803noreply@blogger.com