I am writing this short article, especially to those of you who are leaders and pastors in your church. To anyone else that wants to check it out, I believe it would be extremely helpful. I am in the process of reading a book by Frank Viola and George Barna entitled Pagan Christianity published by BarnaBooks, an imprint of Tyndale House.
The book deals with the tradition that has entered the modern church over the centuries that can harm and suffocate the Holy Spirit’s work in our midst. I will be the first to mention this book probably isn’t for everybody. I believe God will have to prepare you to read and accept its message. It goes against almost everything we have been taught in our churches. I am not speaking of the doctrine, but the way the church is run, and the traditions of men that have seeped in.
The main tenet of the book is that our church service is based upon pagan roots rather than the model of the New Testament church as found in the book of Acts and the Epistles. As I said, this book is not for everyone, but if you want to be challenged in your Christian growth and you are not afraid to test your comfort zone, I believe many of the thoughts in this book would revolutionize your church services.
The table of contents reads – 1. The Church Building; 2. The Order of Service; 3. The Sermon; 4. The Pastor; 5. Sunday Morning Costumes; 6. Ministers of Music; 7. Tithing and Clergy Salaries; 8. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; 9. Christian Education; 10. Reapproaching the New Testament; 11. A Second Look at the Savior.
Much of what we do in our churches today has no Biblical basis whatsoever and Barna and Viola bring this to light. I must say I do not agree with everything that the authors mention, but for the most part, I believe applying some of the Biblical principles shared in this book just might cause some churches to experience revival. I’m praying my church does.
If you choose to take this journey, I’d be interested to know what you think.
Leave a comment or email me. I’ll be waiting.
Knees for the Nations 