PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

The ultimate question that some would raise, "Should the corporate life of the church be
pulled down to the level of the individual, or should the individual be raised to the level of the
church?"
CHAPTER FIVE
THE EVANGELISTIC CHURCH
A sense of expectation builds as the congregation gathers for the morning worship
service. The success of an outreach campaign being conducted by the church is becoming
evident as a larger than usual crowd begins filling the pews. The parking lot is filling even
though many church members have parked at an area shopping mall. Although arrangements had
been made earlier to conduct a special youth service in the church gym, ushers are having
difficulty seating people in the fixed pews. A few have gone to find stacking chairs to place in
the wide aisles. These kind of problems seem to bring joy to church members. Today will
indeed be a special opportunity.
As the piano beings playing a lively gospel hymn, the choir makes their way to the
platform. They remain standing as the song leader moves to the pulpit. He asks the gathered
crowd to take their hymn book and stand together as they sing a familiar hymn, Amazing Grace.
The people quickly respond by standing as the musicians play the last line of the hymn. Then,
from all parts of the building, the words of Newton's hymn ring out.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.
In the hymn book, the word "Amen" follows the text of the last verse, but it is not sung in
this church. In its place, the song leader encourages the congregation to shake hands with five
people around them and tell them how much you appreciate their being with us today. A happy
muffled sound fills the auditorium as informal greetings are exchanged. Then the congregation is
asked to turn the page in the hymn book to another familiar hymn, Old Rugged Cross.
As this second hymn concludes, the song leader moves away from the pulpit to make
room for the pastor. He welcomes everyone and asks church members to raise their hand
indicating those who brought a friend to church with them today. As hands are raised throughout
the auditorium, several amens are heard. The pastor briefly prays for the service before the
congregation is seated.
Once again, the pastor begins talking about the special day. He explains how the church
has been preparing for this day for several weeks and expresses how much he appreciates each
"friend" who took time out of their busy schedule to worship with them. He explains the church
has a special friendship packet as a "thank you" gift they wish to share with each visitor. He asks