"We’ve Never Done it That Way Before."

This statement has been heard by church leadership for years. It’s the ultimate road block that keeps many churches from moving forward and trying something new or different. Whether it’s used by someone who truly fears an outcome or just wants to exert control - it has stopped many church leaders in their tracks. At the time it may sound like a voice of reason but just because “we’ve never done it that way before” doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. It’s a warning without merit. “Beware of the forbidden forest.” “Do not go beyond the great mountains.” “No one has ever entered the cave and lived to tell about it.” Sorting out warnings based on cautious wisdom or fear-based control is the real challenge. In the movie The Village, the elders of the community prohibited the villagers to venture into the surrounding woods, as there are "creatures of which we do not speak" living within. Of course, their reasons were to promote isolation from the outside world, thus controlling the village. Don’t get me wrong, there are legitimate warnings and prohibitions that are wise and even Biblical. Many scriptures are warnings designed to aid us in our spiritual journey, not to mention our own personal safety. But I’m so glad that Abundant Life is a church that is not afraid to go places we’ve never been before. If fact, the reason I started writing about this subject is because I have found it humorous how many times I’ve actually used this very statement myself – only in a very different way. It’s usually used in answering a question about some new thing we are working on as a church. I can’t tell you how many times my answer has been, “I don’t know - we’ve never done this before.” It is both freeing and exciting to be a part of a church that isn’t afraid to venture beyond known territory. So many of the things we try at Abundant Life – we’ve never done before. It will be exciting to see what new things are ahead for the Worship Ministries and Creative Arts teams of Abundant Life Church in 2007.

Comments

[chris fountain]

dennis -- thanks for trying something different with this years musical - it really touched me where I am. --chris

[Val Ellett]

To boldly go where no man has gone before...
Let's see, who did this first?? Captain Kirk? NO...
oh ya...
Jesus.

He's SUCH a trendy dude.

By the way, enjoyed the Christmas Program. thanks to the WHOLE crew for everything.

[Sara]

These are the words I needed to hear this week Dennis. You are such a great Worship Minster god has given you a great talent and Abundant Life is so very lucky to have you! The musical was awesome even made me cry. Every time I leave Abundant Life my Heart is on fire for the Lord!

[christian]

Dennis,

Some very good words that the worship leaders at Southeast needed to see and hear. As we are trying new things in worship, we pray that additions facilitate a culture in which all people feel welcome. Abundant Life has stepped beyond the 'way we have always done things' into the 'way can do things to TRULY reach a culture that is starved of Jesus.'

There are many things that I appreciate in Abundant Life.

Change for change sake is no different than tradition for the sake of tradition. I am thankful that Jesus gave us traditions that are teachable and powerful for the saved and the lost alike. What is more powerful to a believer than the participation of the sacrifice of Jesus through the bread and wine? There is such joy and sorrow all in one, flowing from His side.

Please continue to pray for us as we work in our congregation.