Is it OK, to kick it ol’ School, (or new school)?

March 25, 2010
Church & Outreach Clip to Evernote
19

Screen shot 2010-03-24 at 8.16.17 PMOur church is launching a new service the weekend after Easter called Cornerstone Classic! It’s our 3rd service (8:30), and we are offering a “classic” service. That is NOT TRADITIONAL, but as we call it, “same stuff, softer style.” We will worship with a little older contemporary songs, some updated hymns, brighter lights in the worship center & the sound level down 5-10 db’s.

Some say we are moving away from “who we are.” Well I have always seen us being anywhere it takes to win the most for the Kingdom of God! This is the question…is it OK to offer different “venues” of worship styles, or is that compromising on your identity as a church?

Give me your opinion bellow (↓).

About artie: I'm the lead Pastor at Cornerstone, a Multi-Ethnic church in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Also the founder of the Comb Network.com, a movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller cities. I direct a gathering of small city leader called "The Sticks."

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  • Pastor Susan Honeycutt

    Awesome! I have not yet started a church, but the word the Lord game was the name of town. Schulenburg…..it means old school town. I believe you are following the Holy Spirit and that I have finally understood what He meant ! Blessings and peace
    Susan

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Hey Susan, thanks for the comment & encouragement. I am always striving to follow the voice of God!

  • http://thefasts.blogspot.com/ mike fast

    i think the identity we are trying to protect is Jesus’ identity rather than the church’s identity. do whatever it takes to make people feel welcome — old school, new school, no school — nothing is sacred when it comes to form because form must always follow function! go for it!

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Sounds like the final words of a great man that saved a lot of lives, “let’s roll!”

  • Shan Harsey

    It’s not about us, it’s all about Him, so we don’t need to worry about compromising who we are as a church.
    Then, the secular world offers variety to the people so it’s a good thing for the church to offer variety to people. That is why the traditional churches are dying they are not willing to change to reach the new generation.
    Change is not sin.

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Well, you just go ahead and preach it sister. Somebody needs to get you a robe!

  • http://www.jacook.org Ja

    Man, it’s more than okay. If God tells us to wear robes and do Gregorian chant to win our community then that’s what we do. I’m stoked about the new service because God speaks, we listen, lives change.

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Remember, whatever God says is a “God thing!”

  • Heather Edwards

    Pastor Artie, Anything that God lays His hands on is ok. Since He didn’t give us a “how-to” manual on how to worship, I think that as long as we are worshiping Him, it shouldn’t matter how it is done.

  • http://artiedavis.com artie

    Good word Heather. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate it!

  • http://firstbaptistbellgardens.org Richard

    If the service is proclaiming Christ alone as the answer to all of life’s questions, I don’t care much about how it’s decorated. Ja is right–if Gregorian chants will win the city for Christ, then let’s get chanting!

  • Pastor Susan Honeycutt

    God is a God of just weights. I think the thing you are on to here, is balance ; not segregation of time periods but a melding of worship styles through which the Holy Spirit can flow. Awesome!

  • Skip Cummings

    Hey bro, if God tells us to go soul train or bluegrass to reach a people for the Kingdom, then we obey. We’re talking style. Afterall, worship is not for our benefit. Worship is what Christ followers G-I-V-E to God. Carry on.

  • http://jonathanpearson.net Jonathan Pearson

    The essence of CCC’s identity is glorifying God. I love that y’all are willing to do whatever it takes to reach people! Praying for you, your staff, and CCC!

  • Amanda Osborn

    Absolutely, it is okay! I love the classic worship songs. I think it is a good way to attract more people.

  • Debbie Mast

    Bottom line-it ain’t about US!!!!!!! Whatever we can use to reach the lost, then let’s get on with it. It’s all worship. And it’s all for Him.

  • http://www.theshepherdstaff.org David Higginbotham

    Substance is substance.

    Style is style.

    Focus on the former and be flexable with the latter.

    People who focus on or complain about the latter do not have enough of the former!

    (At least from my point of view…:>)

  • http://www.igrejaurbana.org Carlos Rizzon

    Artie after all that has been said I just have to tell you: “Let’s Roll”and let the name of the Lord be glorified! Praise God you are listening and willing to practice what he is telling you!

  • Ky Bishop

    1 Corinthians 9:19 says that “I have become all things to all people so that I might win some”. “Who we are” is who Christ tells us to be, not to be confused with staying true to our churches identity.

    What you are doing is “seeing the need and meeting that need” and by doing so you are become a “full service” community of faith. You are creating an environment where the old and the young can serve together in community and learn from each other.

    God bless you as you build His Kingdom.