Professional Sheep Stealers
Here's part of a longer comment we received:
So what happened at our church was this. The ones who wanted contemporary worship went off and formed their own church along with members from other local churches. Other congregations in the area were upset that this new church got synod funding and that it was taking some of their members away.The WELS Board for Home Missions is a huge supporter of church growth (CG) methodology and contemporary worship (CW). They have several full-time "mission counselors" whose only job is to travel from mission to mission pressuring pastors to produce numbers and insisting that contemporary worship is the only way to reach the lost.
But here's the thing. In many cases, home missions aren't designed to reach the lost, they're designed to steal sheep from other congregations that won't submit to CG and CW. That's why we have "missions" in places like Appleton, WI and Franklin, WI.
So, if you're an established congregation, you sometimes have only two choices. Capitulate to the vocal minority in your congregation who are clamoring for CW, or allow the WELS to plant a "mission" a few blocks away to steal your members.
You should also be aware that this is being funded primarily by congregational mission offerings (CMO). Part of every dollar that you give to the synod is being used to steal sheep.
One WELS leader describes this type of "practice" as being shrewd: " ... he’s being shrewd in dealing with his community’s unbelievers so he can gather an audience. In time he will unleash the power of the gospel for the salvation of everyone who believes ...".
A definition for "shrewd" is "Disposed to artful and cunning practices; tricky."
And so I think of Ephesians 4.
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NKJV)
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
If one is going to treat worship as outreach, then does the Holy Spirit need the "help" that comes from "entertainment worship"? Of course not. God only asks that we preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit takes care of the rest.
Here is one of the statements "about worship" found on that same page of the website:
"Casual Atmosphere – Reclining movie theater seats with cup holders. Need we say more?"
Sure. I recommend John 3:16. Sad to say, there wasn't a Bible verse to be found on this "about" web page, nor on the home page of the website.
Matthew 10:16: [Jesus said to his disciples when sending them out to minister to the world,] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
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WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT WHEN COMING TO WORSHIP AT VICTORY OF THE LAMB?
- Enjoy Hospitality – Goodies, coffee and all kinds of yummy stuff. All completely free… just like grace!
- Dress Comfortably – Wear clothes. Whether they’re in style… that’s up to you!
- Casual Atmosphere – Reclining movie theater seats with cup holders. Need we say more?
- Serious Faith – We take God very seriously, but try not to take ourselves too seriously.
- Modern Worship – Relevant messages, musical variety, helpful videos.
- Ancient Roots – Sacraments, Scripture, Jesus at the center… always.
- Brings the Kids – Bible Quest is a safe, fun kids’ ministry for all kids ages 18 months – 5th grade. Otherwise feel free to bring them into church. We’ll have a live service feed in the lobby in case you feel they’re getting too rowdy.
- Relax – There are other people like you. We’re all just getting guidance for our lives and learning about how much God loves us.
- Truth – You want a doctor who’s going to be honest enough to help you, right? Don’t you want a church that will do the same?
