I thought this video was extremely funny! Then I thought it was sad! Then I was confused!
“Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.
How did you react? I laughed because the video is well made and uses satire to drive home a point. I was sad because I realized too many churches don’t get the point. Then I was confused because I’m not sure what the point is either, based on who created the video in the first place.
Let me explain! (but before I get too serious, take a minute to laugh…it is, and was meant to be, a funny video!)
The Multi-site Megachurch Worship Form
NorthPoint Community Church is on the cutting edge of the multi-site megachurch model. You can agree or disagree with this model but there’s no doubt that thousands of people’s lives are being transformed and men and women are becoming Jesus’ disciples through their ministries.
The confusion sets in because it seems that the North Point Media team are creating a parody of their own services. A large part of the NPCC resources go into their weekly services (or worship show depending on your positive or negative impression of what NPCC does each Sunday). NPCC is bringing more people to Jesus than I’ve ever met so I am not throwing stones, I’m just asking questions.
In his book, The Disciple-Making Pastor, @billhull says, “You can always get a crowd, if you demand very little and put on a show.” I would add that the better the show, the bigger the crowd. I don’t suggest that NPCC demands very little but they definitely put on a great show.
So, what is NPCC encouraging us to do in this video? Eschew the “show”? Will they? Is the answer to simply reorganize our music and message so that it doesn’t fit the form in this video? Is their form engaging culture? Does the culture scoff at this particular form? Or, perhaps NPCC is engaging culture in a more relevant and life changing way than I ever will?
Your Corporate Worship is Not Valid!?
Another stream of questions: Is a pattern of corporate worship inherently a bad thing? Can we have a standardized way (or “traditional”) way of doing things in our churches? Can we really say that one way of doing things is wrong? If I were to go to a concert, what would I expect? If the musician sat on the edge of the stage and just talked for two hours would I be disappointed? If I go to see a comedian and they take up an offering, sing a hymn, and preach from the Bible would I think it was innovative or would I be upset that it wasn’t what I expected? Isn’t it human nature to follow forms and systems and even traditions?
How did you get ready for your day this morning? Is that any different than asking how someone started off their week at church? The fact that we fall into predictable patterns
I don’t think we should let forms paralyze us or cause us to fall into complacency, but if NPCC uses the form that is satirized in this video, and it’s ‘working’ for them, maybe it’s okay for them to follow the pattern. Meanwhile, deviations – or better, variations – on the form could be healthy and keep people from settling into predictability and consumeristic complacency.
Anyway, the NPCC form probably isn’t for me and it does sadden me that our more “cutting edge” churches have adopted this form without question because the megachurch gurus do it and look at how many people they have! Hopefully, NPCC is taking the first step in breaking the mold and maybe that’s what this video is about. However, if they are simply nodding and winking at a practice they think is ineffective, then this video simply leaves me confused and seeking answers.
So, what are your thoughts about this video? Does your church follow this form? Does the video sting a little bit or have you gone the other way and are establishing forms and patterns that simply appeal to you? Can we just admit that we are all consumers to some extent and we search out a way of doing things that resonates with us? We will never completely rid ourselves of consumeristic tendencies, but are you striving to practice the presence of God as naturally and theologically and experientially as possible?
All that I could see in this video is what I have seen every time I have visited NPCC. So I don't really get it. Unless they are making a change, as you stated.
I am currently reading "Radical" by David Platt. It has challenged me to reevaluate how the church works. He discusses how churches are always trying to get more people, but are not discipling as they should. The whole point of the Gospel is, for lack of a better term, this cycle: salvation, discipleship, send them out. And the cycle continues. But we get caught up in church attendance, when a large # of attendees are probably not even saved.
Anyway, if you haven't read it yet, I highly suggest it.
Good response to the video here for more conversation and consideration..
"How To Look Good And Still Miss The Point"
http://naruacomdeus.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-l…
I grew up in an AoG megachurch and graduated from a Christian college. I remember a time when the worship service was fairly traditional but eventually, like everything else, it became a glitzy, media-driven production. I no longer regularly attend church for a lot of reasons; however, I still go to the megachurch when I'm home visiting family. I must say, few things turn me off more than the worship service. It is over the top in its production value. Yes, you can get people in the door and get them to do all kinds of things with slick productions, but I can't help but think while I'm sitting there observing the emotion-filled extravagance that Christ is probably not too impressed. They may be well-intentinoed, but I think these churches often mistake having God's annointing with success. It used to anger me but now I just feel sad for the church and our media-obssessed culture.