I'm Tired of New Churches

I once watched a video advertisement for a church I have never attended. The video was attractive, trendy, and humorous, and it presented its point very well. I felt as if I would be welcome as soon as I walked in the door. Simply put, it was an excellent advertisement. As I laughed at the witty catchphrases and clever imagery (I’m pretty sure they used a plastic Jesus figurine to get their point across somehow), I was hooked. At the end of the video, I remember thinking to myself I would love to go to that church. Those people are probably super chill. And funny. What was up with that plastic Jesus? Lololol.

It took a few months of this advertisement nagging the back of my brain for me to realize that I am sick and tired of new churches.

Where do I get the authority to make such a bold statement—and make it the title of this article? Well, realize that when I say “new,” I’m not talking about new church plants or “baby churches” (Dang it. Now this article isn’t nearly as controversial and interesting as you hoped. Sorry for leading you on.) No, when I say “new,” I mean different.

The gist of that advertisement I watched a few months ago was that the church it was advertising was different. “Tired of dressing up for church? Tired of traditional services and sitting in a sanctuary and listening to a pastor standing at a pulpit? Well, it’s your lucky day! _________ Church isn’t like them. We’re different.” What an attractive claim. I’m pretty sure most people don’t want to be shoved into a mold, so most people would fit into a church where fitting in means being yourself. Jesus tells us to come as we are, right? And I’m pretty sure He doesn’t want his church to be dominated by dead tradition. In that regard, ­­___________ Church is looking pretty awesome.

But _____________ Church’s advertisement is missing one crucial part of church: Jesus.

You see, I’m not so much tired of “new” churches as I am that these churches make their “hook” all about the fact that they are new. They get the masses interested in attending by playing on the fact that the masses are always looking for something radical to catch their eye. And instead of hitting them with the radical nature of Jesus and his grace, they bribe them with the newness of their operation. “Hey! Instead of boring normal church, we sit in circles on the floor and eat sandwiches while Brother Dude is led by the Spirit to play on his accordion. And, oh yeah, Jesus.” Or, “Are you tired of wearing ties or skirts to church? So are we! Come to our church because you can wear your swimsuit or whatever. Oh yeah, and Jesus.” Jesus is the afterthought, not the main attraction. He very well may be a focus in the services, but He is absent in the church’s list of Reasons Why You Should Go Here. Maybe these churches have given up on the power of the Gospel to draw people to their services, and now have to compete to have the most off-the-wall attention-grabbers to bring people in the doors.

Lest you think I am only targeting churches for hipsters or other similar establishments, I think fundamentalist churches are guilty of these tactics as well. For example, I attend college near a Baptist church. I grew up Baptist, so when I was looking to choose a church to attend while I am at school, that church ended up on my list. Driving by it on a Wawa run (if you don't know what that is, I pity your poor, deprived soul), I observed their building (normal) and read their sign. I decided right then and there that I wouldn't be attending their services--I kid you not, in bold letters following the name of their church came the words WE ARE OLD FASHIONED. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with an old-fashioned church, I now know nothing about this church except what they've advertised: they are Baptist, and they are old-fashioned. I do not know if they have a heart for missions, or discipling believers, or loving God.

Fundamentalist advertisements can sometimes look something like this: “We are FUNDAMENTAL. We haven’t been swayed to rock music or social drinking. Our services are biblically based—but only King James biblically based. Come to _______ Church; we’re a friendly, inviting place with traditional services. And oh yeah, Jesus.” No, they aren’t appealing to the radical or “hipster,” but they are appealing to the traditionalist—and Jesus is still an afterthought.

I don’t claim to be wise or overly experienced. But I am tired. Tired of people choosing churches simply because they are hooked by something other than Jesus. Maybe they’re attracted to the tradition, or to the conservative values; maybe they’re attracted to the contemporary style or to the laid-back atmosphere. Maybe they really, really have always wanted to wear their swimsuit to church. And I understand the church’s need to be culturally relevant. But while the conduct of services is an important factor in the decision to choose a church, the presence and prevalence of Jesus should be more important. If churches spend more money and time promoting their dress code or new house-church setup than they are spreading the Gospel and discipling believers, that’s a warning sign of a church that has misplaced their priorities and focus. Jesus has become just as plastic in their services as the figure I saw in that advertisement. That’s a church I don’t want to waste my time with. Because while churches who build on a foundation of tradition or culture will always change as culture does, churches that build on a foundation of the Word of God will never change—because Jesus never does.

So I beg you, American church scene, stop trying to be new. I’ve had enough of new. I just want Jesus.