I've noticed something about churches:
– There are churches that look everywhere for innovative ideas and creative ways of communicating the Gospel.
At the same time, there are churches who believe the don't need to look anywhere outside of what has already been established through tradition. I call these "Amish Churches". The are closed societies who create their own bubble and never allow a new idea to creep in and infuse some creativity into their preaching, systems or architecture.
How do you become an Amish church?
– You don't read anything that wouldn't be found in a Christian bookstore
– You don't listen to any music that isn't "sanctified"
– You don't look to the business world to get best practices for operations.
– You don't accept any idea that didn't originate from your denomination.
– In fact, you are suspect of any idea that didn't come from you.
Am I saying we should run and follow what the world is doing? No. What I am saying is that we should be open to good ideas, no matter where they come from.
