Should we sing worship songs from churches we don’t agree with? | How to know if it’s time to make big changes at your church | Setting short-term goals
Episode Summary
In this episode, Derek and Danielle dive into the controversy around singing songs from churches with questionable theology, how to know if it’s time to reinvent your church, and setting short-term goals to accomplish big things. Special guest Stephen Hay joins the conversation.
SHOW NOTES
FROM THE PASTOR’S INBOX
Why do we sing songs from churches we don’t agree with theologically?
Many churches sing songs from places like Hillsong, Bethel, or Elevation, but what do we do when we disagree with their theology or leadership? Here are some key points discussed:
- The phrase “false teacher” is often used too broadly. According to Matthew 7, a false teacher is a wolf in sheep’s clothing with sinister motives.
- Even if a church’s leadership is questionable, individual songs may still be scripturally sound. It’s more practical to evaluate the songs themselves than the beliefs of every songwriter.
- Examples of songs with strong biblical foundations include “This I Believe (The Creed)” and “O Praise The Name (Anástasis).” The goal of worship is to drive biblical truths deep into our hearts.
REINVENTING CHURCH TOPIC
How to Know if It’s Time to Reinvent Your Church
Stephen Hay joins the show. Before Stephen came on team here at Grace during the height of the pandemic, He was a Senior Pastor of a smaller church for about ten years. He’s also been a part of our Reinventing Church process at Grace.
How do you know if it’s time to reinvent your church?
Warning signs:
- The culture around us
- The church’s structure not supporting real people living out their faith
- The pastor is doing everything
- Sometimes, it’s just undeniable/unhealthy/broken
Initial Internal Process: 5 Factors of Growth (qualitative not just quantitative)
- Discipleship
- Is ministry being done by others?
- What type? How many? How’s it going?
- Do people feel empowered?
- Are you hearing success stories?
- Community/Fellowship
- Are your people known?
- Do your people know you?
- Sundays
- How would you describe your Sunday experiences?
- Are they marked with vibrancy and awe?
- Would you describe Sunday as a shared experience?
- Reach
- What does your local reach look like?
- What does your global reach look like?
- What does the balance between the two reveal?
- Leadership
- Does your structure reflect the scriptures?
- How would you describe unity?
- Do you feel comfortable sharing responsibilities?
Diagnostic Questions
- Has God released me to continue with our existing church model for my next season of ministry?
- Is the model we’re currently using positioned to effectively multiply disciples over the next 10 years?
- What unique role is God calling me to play for the future of our church?
- Is our church well positioned to have a gospel influence in the community around us?
- Will the church respond better to a fresh voice or an experienced voice?
- Does the majority of the congregation trust me enough to lead this change?
- Do I possess the skills to lead our church through this change? If not, who do I need to get around me?
- Have I counted the cost and am I willing to remain faithful when frustrations and pushback come?
- Are my key leaders also sensing a need for change?
- Is my family healthy enough to weather a season of uncertainty?
WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK?
How to Set Short-Term Goals
Derek and Danielle discuss setting 90-day horizon goals to accomplish big things at Grace Church:
- Assimilation Strategy: Reimagine the assimilation funnel through a disciple-making lens. Create a playbook for each ministry.
- Launch: Successfully pilot and kick off LAUNCH classes with a goal of 200 attendees.
- Multiplication: Develop a timeline and strategy to implement BUILD your Calling and BLESS your World programs.
- Milestones: Create frameworks and processes for celebrating important milestones in the church.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Full Transcript
Is It Time To Reinvent My Church Diagnostic Tool
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