The following excerpt is taken from a book written by Earl L Gardner, a Church of the Nazarene minister, about 60 years ago. I direct this at no church or organization. But as my mentor Rev. J. Herbert Norton would say, "If the shoe pinches take it off." His meaning was that if something hurts, fix it so it doesn't hurt.
PRESENT DAY TRENDS AND THE NEED FOR REVIVAL IN THE HOLINESS MOVEMENT
A general sense of need for a fresh visitation of God upon us is felt by many within the holiness churches today. This is giving rise to a spirit of heart searching and re-evaluation of the mission and function of our churches.
The trend which has been toward unification is somewhat shifting to a trend toward division into new groups in an effort to regain the early spiritual power and purity of the early days and which is so sadly lacking today.
History seems to indicate that when a church exists long enough to acquire its own institutions of learning and matures into a strong and well organized denomination it carries with it the seeds of spiritual failure. The "machine" seems to become so complex that all its working parts cannot coordinate in complete obedience to the checks and leadings of the Holy Spirit. It becomes overly complicated with its numbers of committees and departments until the average layman and preacher alike seem to be confused in trying to keep in step with the program. The source of weakness is not easily found, however, since it seems that each function taken by itself has value.
Nevertheless, there are some very real diversions which may be responsible for the low spiritual tide within. We list some here which we feel are definite points of weakness leading to spiritual decline and decay.
The Christian pulpit is central in the life of the Church of Jesus Christ, since it is by the preaching of the Word that men are saved. It is "God's throne" of communication to His people. It is the "Holy of Holies" to the heart and life of the people of God.
We must not desecrate its power and potential for lesser ideals and objectives by:
(1) Promotional speeches to promote secular, political, or social functions which have no bearing on our primary mission of holiness evangelism.
(2) Promotion of man-made projects and programs which substitute for God-inspired preaching of the Word.
We are against cut and dried preaching schedules designed to promote denominational projects out of harmony with our true mission. Our ministers must be "voices" not "echoes." Not denominational or organizational "puppets" who have no conviction of their own. I am not here advocating a poor spirit of cooperation with those things which are good and in order, but the
PRESENT DAY TRENDS AND THE NEED FOR REVIVAL IN THE HOLINESS MOVEMENT
A general sense of need for a fresh visitation of God upon us is felt by many within the holiness churches today. This is giving rise to a spirit of heart searching and re-evaluation of the mission and function of our churches.
The trend which has been toward unification is somewhat shifting to a trend toward division into new groups in an effort to regain the early spiritual power and purity of the early days and which is so sadly lacking today.
History seems to indicate that when a church exists long enough to acquire its own institutions of learning and matures into a strong and well organized denomination it carries with it the seeds of spiritual failure. The "machine" seems to become so complex that all its working parts cannot coordinate in complete obedience to the checks and leadings of the Holy Spirit. It becomes overly complicated with its numbers of committees and departments until the average layman and preacher alike seem to be confused in trying to keep in step with the program. The source of weakness is not easily found, however, since it seems that each function taken by itself has value.
Nevertheless, there are some very real diversions which may be responsible for the low spiritual tide within. We list some here which we feel are definite points of weakness leading to spiritual decline and decay.
1. Usurping the Power of the Pulpit
The Christian pulpit is central in the life of the Church of Jesus Christ, since it is by the preaching of the Word that men are saved. It is "God's throne" of communication to His people. It is the "Holy of Holies" to the heart and life of the people of God.
We must not desecrate its power and potential for lesser ideals and objectives by:
(1) Promotional speeches to promote secular, political, or social functions which have no bearing on our primary mission of holiness evangelism.
(2) Promotion of man-made projects and programs which substitute for God-inspired preaching of the Word.
We are against cut and dried preaching schedules designed to promote denominational projects out of harmony with our true mission. Our ministers must be "voices" not "echoes." Not denominational or organizational "puppets" who have no conviction of their own. I am not here advocating a poor spirit of cooperation with those things which are good and in order, but the
preacher must maintain a Biblical sense of values. He must keep himself in tune with God so as to preach the Word of God with full authority.
2. Over-Emphasis on Statistical Gains
(a) We think it unnecessary to set quotas for church membership. First of all, it is our task to everlastingly evangelize the lost. If we succeed in this, the membership problem will be worked out proportionately and properly. If we set goals to get a certain number of members and set out to get them, the temptation is to by-pass the Bible requirements and "pick our fruit green." The principle of probation should be practiced in essence if not so designated
This is a dangerous trend. Other old-line churches have lost their spiritual moorings at this point.
(b) The same danger is seen in financial quotas which tend to create similar tensions on the people. While we certainly believe all should tithe and give offerings, yet it must be done as a means of obedience to God and as a spiritual service and not primarily to make a quota or goal. We must keep the horse ahead of the cart. This is not to rule out challenge, but to keep the undergirding sense of worship and free-will giving basic.
2. Over-Emphasis on Statistical Gains
(a) We think it unnecessary to set quotas for church membership. First of all, it is our task to everlastingly evangelize the lost. If we succeed in this, the membership problem will be worked out proportionately and properly. If we set goals to get a certain number of members and set out to get them, the temptation is to by-pass the Bible requirements and "pick our fruit green." The principle of probation should be practiced in essence if not so designated
This is a dangerous trend. Other old-line churches have lost their spiritual moorings at this point.
(b) The same danger is seen in financial quotas which tend to create similar tensions on the people. While we certainly believe all should tithe and give offerings, yet it must be done as a means of obedience to God and as a spiritual service and not primarily to make a quota or goal. We must keep the horse ahead of the cart. This is not to rule out challenge, but to keep the undergirding sense of worship and free-will giving basic.
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