During my journey, I am oddly struck with a feeling that some among the church brethren are pretty judgmental when it comes to their interpretation of the right or the wrong way to church people up. “Some churches are too big? they are too impersonal… sure, the big churches have programs, but we’re just a little church.” Some feelings are strong, even defiantly disappointed that not everyone adheres to the “official” right path of churchdom. I know churchdom is not an official or definable word, but I take some license here to make my point.
I’m unabashedly a fan of those leaders who express jubilant excitement for preaching the word; even to the point of using some modern technology to teach and reach as many as possible. Do as we’re told: Grow the kingdom.
Way back then, we used the ancient scrolls. Well, not me, I’m not that old, but now the Word is more modernly republished into the book form of the Bible; the greatest book ever written, the number one selling book the world has ever known. Wordsmith purveyors of descriptive high praise in the entertainment industry would be prone to exclaim, “The Bible!” and likely use words like epic, phenomenal, killer, first class, stellar, boffo or mine-blowing, suggesting the Bible is the best of the best!
When Jesus returns, He may again, take on a more modern life-like look, perhaps modern clothing and partake in the current mode of transportation, and leave his sandals behind… or, be flanked by Angels for even quicker transport.
I am dismayed, when people suggest there’s a right or ‘official’ way to teach God’s commandments to people with justifiable curiosity, who truly want to learn. So my own curiosity leads me to a simple Google search: How many denominations use the Bible? “Estimations vary wildly, with figures for Christian denominations ranging from thousands to over 45,000 globally. All Christian denominations use the Bible as their sacred scripture, though differences exist in their theological interpretation.” Wow!
Now that I’ve given the set-up, I’m back to my original question: why are so many dismayed by some pastors using current technology, especially to reach younger people in the format they are accustomed to, to grow the kingdom. It’s “too Theatrical” some may say, yet enthusiastically approve of technology like internet live streaming a Sunday church service, when we are commanded to congregate and worship together?
I recently attended a Sunday service at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale, a local downtown church, one of the oldest in Broward County, where attendance until recently had dwindled to the low hundreds two years ago. Now, through new pastoring and a rebirth of enthusiasm, it has significantly grown into the many thousands again. The pastor faintly acknowledges that his brand has caught the attention of younger churchgoers in large numbers because of a more high-tech service, musing somewhat sarcastically: “Our Church is so big, too big? So, who do we send home?”
Who to send home?
Profoundly thought provoking. “So, who do we send home?” Or do we grow the kingdom? Please join us as our guest, encouraged with a large smile and extended hand.
I’m led by a biblical view of making room for everyone in the church and growing the kingdom as expressed through verses on hospitality, unity and evangelism.
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God,“ (Romans 15:7 ESV).
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Galatians 3:28 ESV).
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” (Hebrews 13:1–2 ESV).
These passages outline the Christian mission to spread the gospel and multiply the community of believers. As summer comes to a close and we ready for the holidays, please extend a hand and invite all those who want to join and welcome with a smile.
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS September 2025 Issue at https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2025/september/#1