June 11th

As mentioned in my last blog, the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention is having their yearly conferences here in San Antonio. This morning I attended a couple of seminars given by State leaders and pastors. I was tickled as to the topics of each seminar, for example; "How to reach 3rd-4th generation English-preferred Hispanics." "How to start English preferred Hispanic congregations." "Evangelizing the 3rd-4th generation student", just to name a few. Each seminar seemed to be geared towards reaching the kind of individual FCOH has been reaching for the past 5 years! I personally attended the seminar entitled "How to start English preferred congregations." It just so happened that in this seminar, the leader happened to know about our church and has heard of me as the pastor. Thus, most of the questions were aimed towards my direction. Questions like, "How did you start the church? Should the State be focused on churches like you? Do you use multi-media and PowerPoint in your services? etc.." I answered each question to the best of my knowledge. Again, I told them I'm still learning this stuff! During the seminar the conversation begin to shift towards the area of multi-media and sermon props. They used churches such as the Fellowship Church in Dallas, the Fellowship Church of the Woodlands, Saddleback Community Church, and Willowcreek Community Church as examples of "cutting edge theatre churches." It was all about being "cutting edge" and holding the attention of your audience for 2 hours as you present live music, lights, smoke, drama, a stage with props that compliment the sermon, and a pastor that will preach for no more than 20 minutes. I sat back and listened to every one's take on reaching this current generation of people. Finally, the moderator asked for my insights into this discussion. I then said, "All the glitz, glamour, lights, smoke, music, props, video and drama are fine and dandy, yet here's the catch. It's only attractive for a little while. Sooner or later the people will get bored and go to another church that will be more cutting edge than you. The church of today has become a Six Flags Fellowship. They will get on your rides and have a great time for only a season. After a while and after time, they'll be looking for a faster more thrilling ride elsewhere. That is why nothing can ever replace DISCIPLESHIP in the life of the individual. If you give them God's word, teach them God's word, train them in the knowledge of God's word, you won't solely need the hoop-la to get them to your church! The word of God will get them there as well as keep them there! The hoop-la is just a detail that could enhance your services. We have video, multi-media commercials, and a great praise and worship band at our church, but our people are more in love with Jesus than a Six Flags thrill ride." Of course after I made that comment I was never called upon again. I didn't mean to be arrogant or to sound "churchy", however, it again confirmed to me that we are not smart enough to grow such a church like ours and to raise such a people that others want to mimic. The Lord has been the builder of FCOH since day one! May we continue as a church to thrive to be cutting edge, full of excitement and yet may we always be simple and full of God's word, so that we will be more than a "ride" for a community but an authentic people who's desire is to welcome all who come and answer anyone who'll ask!
Until Next Time- Pastor Sammy