The national media is making a bit of a hoopla, understandably-so, over the fact that many (if not virtually all) of America's mega-"churches" are not holding any Christmas Day services--and this because Christmas falls on Sunday this year (2005). One of the common excuses for not having "services" is that people will be free to be with their families on Christmas day. Another explanation is that hundreds of their staff people would have to work on that day.
Here is a good example of where ecclesiocentricity, or a "church-centered" life can come to the aid of people trapped in the mega-"church." What more ideal time than this, to evangelize these people, and teach them, by precept and example, what the rudimentary features of the Christian life look like?! Invite them to your church's worship services on Christmas Day. Duh. Professing Christians worship God on Sunday--no matter if it is December 25--and that in real churches.
After all, since when did God suspend His worship, for a Sunday "day off"? For that matter, when did God ever "change" the day of worship from Sunday, (the New Covenant Sabbath), to Wednesday night, or any other day of the week? Since when does God exalt Christmas Day over even one of His weekly Lord's Days (which are His true and only "holy days")? Of course, the answer to all these questions is, "Never!"
By the mega-"churches'" decision not to have their "services" on Sunday, December 25, they betray some ugly, but perhaps not always well-known truths about themselves. What has happened, for instance, to their alleged concern for "seekers," (assuming such souls even exist--which is highly unlikely)? Are they to leave their beloved seekers out in the cold, on Christmas morning, while they enjoy sweet and warm times with their families, in their houses?
If you have ever been tempted to envy mega-"churches" because of their wonderful marketing tools and methods, by which they bring in thousands of people--that day needs to come to an end. You need to sincerely pity them, and do what you can to reach the poor souls who are starving in their midst, with the gospel of God's grace.
The days of the mega-"church" are undoubtedly numbered. The warts are just too obvious. Let us be preparing our churches to minister to many people who will be coming to us, from them.
PS: This web article helped spark this blog: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,177908,00.html
The Forum for Ecclesiocentricity is designed to educate Christians and non-Christians alike to understand the Biblical teaching concerning the Church (the "Puritan" church in particular), with regard to its principal role on the earth. When this is achieved, it is hoped that the Church would then be in a better position to convey Christ's redemptive virtues to the civil government (state), and the family. (You may email me at: markjhenninger@gmail.com)
