Church Critics
The following are actual emails from members of local churches to their pastors.
We have been members with you all for some time and have always enjoyed Sunday morning service, however just wanted to drop a few comments about church yesterday. Will the regular band be back or this new band replacing what we are accustomed to? The band yesterday seemed like a great concert performance, but his singing and pitch seem too high for praise and worship, which makes it difficult for us to sing to. I do understand if this is a new band there are kinks, but it would be great if we brought the pitch lower.
Probably the most disappointing aspect of yesterday was the recorded video for the main service. We maybe considered “old school” in terms of having a live speaker, but I feel that in order to maintain and grow, we cannot simply have a video to take the place of an interactive church service from our Pastors. Is there a way to notify us somewhere on the website to let us know if you all are running a video for the teaching portion, because in that case, we can watch it online?
Please do not misunderstand the tone of this email, but do realize that the Sunday morning service and production we certainly look forward to, but when we come to listen to a concert performance and watch a screen, it makes the overall experience disappointing.
The Worship band was anointed by God today, evoking such emotion for Jesus as I haven’t felt in too long, very refreshing from the norm, I wonder has itonly become a “job” to the regulars vs. genuine worship?
You may not have any control over this, but vocals and instruments are hard to hear over the drums. Also, I feel like the worship leader is about to cry when he speaks, very emotional, perhaps some joy would be good.
We’re starting to treat our churches like a movie. We pick apart our worship services like they’re intended for our enjoyment rather than our edification.
Your Pastor gets this sort of email everyday!
Lets break the trend. What are some things you love about your church?
Don’t just leave it in the comment section. Email your pastors and make their day.
ummm…i don’t know your email?
davidmiller@discoverychurch.org
“very emotional, perhaps some joy would be good.” ??????????????????????????????????? what the heck.
I know man. Harsh
Don’t you think instead of blaming the attendees for sending letters like these, the pastor should try to get back to what church is all about? I can’t imagine going to a church that watched another preacher on a screen, or if they had a band. What happened to singing out of joy? Church is becoming too commericial.
Marty,
I don’t think The Church is blameless in the consumerism of worship by any means but I also think we need to do our part in realizing that church is more than a service to critique. It’s sad for me to think that the only reason people are going to church is for the live speaker or a style of music.
Great stuff David! I really enjoy your blog.
I am a little confused by Marty’s “back to what church was all about” statement. What church was originally about was Acts 2:42-47; listening to the teaching of apostles’ (second hand by the way… not first hand from Jesus himself), fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, giving to those in need, eating together, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. I can’t find one place where we are to judge outside of the Biblical fruit, which others produce.
I personally couldn’t imagine church without a band anymore, and I grew up in a church with an organ and piano only. I can appreciate the many different styles of worship services and understand that what I enjoy may not be for everyone, but I wouldn’t assume that because a church isn’t doing what I like that it has moved away from what “church is all about.” Many churches that use video, drums and “commercial” methods are making some amazing impacts on their communities and world through their love, service, and evangelism.
We need to embrace and appreciate the variety that God used when He created us and cheer those on who are Kingdom building… even if the methods and music are different. The MESSAGE is what matters.
Couldn’t agree more Todd.
It’s all about Jesus. Thats it. We gather and worship because of the blood that Christ paid! I have been apart and visited many churches including Discovery in Orlando, and to me its not about how the time of worship is done its about gathering with other believers to worship God. It’s when I think of God and all that he has done thats when I worship. It’s not about the style of music or anything of that matter…It’s all about Him.
I enjoy reading your blog and I love your heart and passion for the youth of Orlando!
Love that Jared!
It’s al to easy to forget that sometimes.
“It’s all about HIM”
Thanks for checking out the blog man.
Some things I love about my church (which happens to be Discovery):
The pastoral staff members continue to focus on the church’s mission to help spiritual seekers “discover” more on their spiritual journey — and meet us at any level we are currently on without judgment!
The leaders who I personally know, are mature, growing Believers, yet transparent and humble about their struggles. They are willing to give up their time to pray, chat, hug, cry, gently admonish — whatever is necessary to build up the Body.
The praise and worship keeps getting better and better! We sing some familiar songs, but also “sing unto the Lord a new song,” which keeps my worship from getting to routine and stale.
The church is truly the hands and feet of Christ, The members generously give their time and money to help the less fortunate — locally and globally.
Although it is a large church, members and attendees are encouraged to build a community through the connection groups. This gives us a smaller family within the Discovery family.
I could go on and on, but I am very thankful that I can “do life” with other believers at my church.
I am thankful for Discovery Church for the same reasons.