The Forces of Change
Awakening the forces of change. Sounds innocuous doesn't it? Judging by the responses we received to Lee Woolery's article in the May/June issue of Holiness Today, this awakening may not be without incident or impact.
None can doubt that the winds of change are blowing across congregational landscapes.
Ratcheted up rhetoric has accompanied convulsions of change from new service times and formats to the use of newer Bible translations in public worship settings. In a sense, what we've witnessed in some settings is merely the breeze before the really big gusts arrive.
We are living in a time when young adults define faithfulness by differing standards and criteria. What seems so "right" in public worship settings is getting fresh evaluation by our children, grandchildren, and new worshipers who are not familiar with the church.
The flip side of this is a heartening expression of spiritual commitment in many congregations. This is often quite radical and demanding. Prayer is getting more attention than ever before. With congregations mounting 24/7 prayer initiatives, it is no wonder that God is moving many young believers toward radical commitment, which is often expressed in a newly energized worship setting. For a generation that grew up on classic rock and roll and other music, worship experiences must move beyond the predictable routines of two hymns, prayer, offertory, special music, and sermon. Worship must involve one's total being and be enriched by instruments essential to that genre of music.
Waiting for revival? Not many of our younger and newer converts know what that is all about. "Waiting" upon the Lord is not understood in the categories of time. Rather, it is understood as a total willingness to meet God's conditions, expecting Him to faithfully respond to His people. While I do not feel there is a good reason to abandon the traditional revival meeting in our local congregations, we must think creatively if we expect anyone under 50 years of age to attend the next one!
What happens on the platform too often has no connection to what our members have stashed on their iPods. Too many services are like a retreat from the real world, so unique and different that an unsaved person would find points of connection few and far between. What we have to offer the sin-ridden, guilt-stricken world is so powerful, so life transforming, we simply can't afford to not risk a little criticism by introducing some change into the way we've always done church.
This issue of Holiness Today contains accounts of Nazarenes around the world—Maya, Kito, Pon, Debbie, and Carlos—who have discovered that powerful transformation. Hans Deventer reminds us that testing the waters where others live might just help us handle change.
David J. Felter, editor in chief
Holiness Today, September/October 2006
Please note: This article was originally published in 2006. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.
