PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

that help them cope with their problems. Hybels gave prohibitions to follow in reaching the
unsaved. The unchurched don't want to:
1. Stand up (to be introduced to the congregation),
2. Sign up (fill out a visitor's card),
3. Speak up (to introduce themselves),
4. Give up (to be asked for money).
There was a day when Bill Hybels did not pass an offering plate because it offended the
unsaved. However today the offering plate is passed with his instructions, "This is only for the
believer, not for you who are visitors."
The seeker-driven worship service is planned for or unsaved people. A little different, the
seeker-sensitive service is similar, but has a different thrust. The seeker-sensitive is designed for
the Christian, but parts of the program are sensitive to the unchurched. Aspects of the service are
interpreted for them.
The seeker-sensitive church is best personified by Rick Warren, Saddleback Church,
Mission Viejo, California. In Saddleback Church drama, singing hymns, teaching from the Word
of God is for the Christian; but with a decided attempt to be sensitive to the needs and
perspectives of the unchurched visitor.
One author who raises major questions about the seeker church is Robert Wenz, Room
For God, A Worship Challenge For A Church Growth and Market Era. 1 He suggests that some
church have gone beyond being sensitive to unbelievers, they have accommodated the unsaved at
the cost of violating biblical values.
There are some other types of evangelistic churches that would also be targeted by this
criticism, specifically the southern gospel singing church that uses for church the same Christian
quartet that entertained on Saturday night. Even though they sing gospel songs, there is a high
degree of entertainment involved. The pastor usually present an evangelistic sermon each week.
Whereas the Willow Creek type seeker-sensitive worship is usually aimed at the "white
collar" audience, the southern gospel worship usually targets a "blue collar" crowd. 2. Worship
has become human centered, rather than God centered. The second criticism against differing
worship styles focuses on "felt needs" ministry. Certain critics feel that some churches center too
much attention on man, and not on God. Obviously, those who hold this criticism have questions
about seeker-services, renewal services, or even the Body-Life services. The argument is that
those services are planned for people, not for God. Those holding this criticism tend to ask,
"What did God get out of the service?"
Those who voice this criticism, say that certain churches have stooped to the level of
human interest, rather than lifting people up to God's level. They point out that much of today's