Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/93

Contributor - Marc Konynenberg

Title - Changing Ministry In A Changing Worlds?

Topic - Change

We live in a constantly changing world. Not only do things change around us, but we, too, change along with them. Our dress, our manners, our parenting skills, our transportation, etc. ... all are in a constant state of flux, nothing, it seems, remains the way it was.

Some of the changes are positive while others are negative. Take, for example, the positive change in the way in which we wash our clothes. Long ago women would take their laundry out to the river and stand in it to perform their arduous task. They would scrub and scrub until their clothes were free from dirt, then they would rinse them and hang them out to dry. Quite an elaborate and time -consuming endeavour, yet it was something that almost every woman did. Nowadays that has changed dramatically. Now a woman (or a man!) takes the dirty laundry, places it in the washing machine which then cleans the clothes, which are then removed and tossed into the dryer. That is a positive change; there are, and probably will be, many more.

We human beings are quite adept at coping with technological change, but when it comes to behavioural change, things become a bit more difficult. For example, the negative change in how we view living in common-law relationships. A number of years ago this was anathema. It was frowned upon, especially by those with religious convictions, living together was considered an insurmountable sin. Today that stigmatism seems to have evaporated. People, both within and outside of the church, almost accept this as the normal way. Y on hear such comments as, "Well, at least they care for one another," or "Everyone does it so why worry about if?" That in my estimation, is a negative change, for it detracts from the institution of holy marriage as taught in the Bible. So just as there are positive changes, so there are negative ones.

But what about changes in church? Has it changed? If not, why not? Church has changed: in fact, whole denominations have changed their ways.

Some have gone too far, allowing their theological convictions to be watered down in order to please all men. Others have not changed at all, they remain stagnant while all else changes around them. Their response to change is that it is not necessary for we can worship God the way we've always done it. However, that is not the case. The church too must keep up with the times. It must change to challenge the ever-changing society in which we live.

How does a church keep up with the changes? By listening to what people are saying. Research has told us that people want more specific, innovative programs that minister to their needs. That may-mean having a Wednesday evening service or a ministry that is specially geared to children or to the elderly. All those are positive signs of the times. The church can be a focal point in the community if, and only if, it seeks to minister to the needs of the specific community.

Change in worship format is also something desired by those who are rather new on the church scene. The music ministry might no longer assume that the only way to minister to the congregation is by means of psalms and hymns. Worship and praise music, other times referred to as choruses, are adding a new dimension to the worship services. These choruses minister directly to God. In many instances these songs are made up entirely of Scripture. They are an excellent tool for memorizing Scripture. Not only are they easy to learn, but they also create an atmosphere of worship and praise in and during the service. Introducing these types of songs can be a challenge. One recognizes that it is a change from the old way; therefore trying to implement such changes frequently runs into opposition. But even though that might happen, it is necessary. Research indicates that those churches that have incorporated these types of songs are the churches that are growing in this day and age.

Choruses alone do not change people's hearts, there is more involved. Worship services ought to change from their rigid structures. Granted, God is a God of order, but He also clearly states that during worship celebrations there must be time for spontaneous outbursts of praises and thanksgiving to Him. The Holy Spirit should be the guide in all our services. Since God alone knows what is best, why not allow Him to lead the service? That must be recognized as we plan our orders of worship. If God wants His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth, why not then allow Him the opportunity to guide and direct our path?

Change is inevitable, whether in the church or outside of it; we all must cope with change. We have two choices: we can close our minds and resist it, or we can be open to the fresh flow of God's Spirit for us! How are you going to react? I believe that the changes in worship format and prayerfully-sought music are positive and will further God's kingdom upon this land. Let the Holy Spirit guide us as we all move forward in this ever-changing landscape.

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