We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The “Felt Needs” Church


Many “seeker-friendly” churches have quite deliberately subordinated both worship and discipleship to evangelism, and evangelism to entertainment, and in the process subverted the traditional defining features of the church.  Further, they are blind to the dangers in the current stress on “felt needs.”

Os Guinness, Dining With the Devil: The Megachurch Movement Flirts with Modernity, pg.79

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Totally agreed! Living in our society nowadays, "felt needs" are all we think and talk about...Everything is so subjective! Often catching myself a lot of times speaking that way still! And I have to renew my thinking daily! I am thankful that my pastors always points this out to us. To make us aware of our errors as we sometimes read these "felt needs" into scriptures as well. Another interesting thing about "seeker sensitive" churches...they don't exist, really! Because Romans 3:11 says that no one seeks after God. My pastor calls "seeker sensitive" churches "sinner sensitive"! So true! We want to be silent on sin and loud on love. But there is no true love where sin abounds!

Ms. B

Anonymous said...

Hey! Our FELT NEED is for sound doctrine, God-honoring decent music, loving Biblical fellowship, etc... but we don't make up enough of the demographics to have our voice heard.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Now THAT's funny! True, but funny!

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to say that to a "seeker" type pastor just to see the look on their face! HAHA!

Glad you got a laugh!

-Carolyn