PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

We can find evangelistic-type churches among Presbyterians, Congregational,
Pentecostal, Baptist and other denominations. The doctrine of a denomination is not the
determining factor that makes them evangelistic.
An evangelistic church usually (1) is action-oriented, as opposed to mediative or
instructive; (2) has strong pastor leadership with the spiritual gift of evangelism, (3) has
persuasive evangelistic preaching to get people converted; (4) has simplistic organization; (5) is
organized to get lay people involved in outreach; (6) is growth-oriented (number's-oriented); and
(7) is platform-oriented. Usually, the success of the platform ministry of preaching, special
music and the evangelistic appeal will determine the success of the church.
THE BIBLE EXPOSITIONAL CHURCH
This church is usually noted for its use of sermon notes, overhead projectors for people to
follow sermon outlines, expository sermons, reference Bibles-such as the Ryrie or Scofield
Reference Bible; and constant references to the original languages of the Bible. The dominant
spiritual gift of the pastor is teaching. At almost any given service the congregation can be seen
taking notes and many keep the pastor-teacher's presentation in a notebook.
This church usually appeals to the upper-middle class and will usually be found in a
college or white-collar community. A true Bible expositional church is rarely successful in a
blue-collar or "redneck" community. This type of worship crosses denominational lines and can
be found in Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Independent Bible or a variety of other groups.
The pastor probably learned his preaching style at Dallas Theological Seminary, Talbot
Theological Seminary, or some other independent seminary, usually not from a denominational
seminary. He might have learned it from some interdenominational organization such as the
Navigators or Campus Crusade for Christ.
THE RENEWAL CHURCH
This church is usually described by its feeling and flow. Worshipers have freedom to lift
their hands in worship or clap them in joy. They sing praise choruses, go to the altar to pray, hug
one another and laugh or cry. It is camp meeting every Sunday morning. It is revival every
Sunday morning.
They lay hands on one another for healing, power or anointing. Most of the charismatic
churches fall into this category and exercise the miraculous gift of tongues, healing, "word of
knowledge," slain in the spirit," interpretation or other expressions of the Holy Spirit.
Not all Renewal Churches are oriented to the pentecostal or charismatic style or express
miraculous gifts. I have talked to several Southern Baptist pastors who were being pressured by
their local association because of the renewal style in their worship services. These churches
were not charismatic in doctrine or pentecostal in lifestyle. They didn't speak in tongues, nor
attempt to manifest any of the "sign" gifts. They were Baptist in doctrine and Southern Baptist in
allegiance. Sometimes the pressure came from the fact that these churches dropped adult Sunday
School and extended the worship service from 10:00 A.M. to noon.