Why are we trying to compete with the world?

…to be successful.
I dare say this because I love any and everything technology and “performance” related, but the Church does not need newer or better technology and brighter lights to be successful. We dont need them to compete with the “world”.

Do we NEED to be competing with the ENTERTAINMENT industry for the hearts and minds of the people in our communities to be a successful church? Is being a successful church all about drawing as many people as we can with the latest look, style, and vibe of the entertainment industry? Why are we comparing our church services to the entertainment industry anyways?
So how many of our churches can actually compete with Avatar or the Twilight Series? Or a Beyounce concert? Or X Factor? Because that’s pretty much what we’re trying to do.
God hasn’t called the Church to entertain people. The church is called to be about The Kingdom of CHRIST. I say compete with the spirit of the world for the hearts and minds of people. But not with the entertainment industry. We’re too focused on the natural.
I say with boldness and confidence that the Church doesn’t NEED the latest technology and flashiest lights to be the Church. Sure, one could argue that you need them to communicate with cutting edge authenticity and to capture the wandering attentions of our A.D.D generation. Maybe.
But what the Church needs to be successful is simple. In fact, what she needs and wants are two totally different things. The Church needs to be a representation of Christ to it's surrounding communities. Period.
Focus on that and you’ll be successful. Oh you might not grab the attention of people who want to be entertained, but why does the church need to duplicate that area anyways. George Cloney seems to be doing quite nicely as it is.
Start with CHRIST. Knowing who Jesus is and what He did/does is key. We can’t represent something we don’t know.
Let your use of technology and your desire to be cutting edge ALWAYS flow from a bigger purpose: BEING THE LIGHT.
Can we use technology to “be the light” – I’m sure some could argue that we could and should use what we have to influence others for Christ. But the plain and simple truth of the matter is we don’t need technology to effectively minister or tell others about Jesus to those around us.
The numbers are in and we’ve spent more money the last decade on growth techniques and being technologically cutting edge to “keep up with and compete with the world” than in any time in history and the American church has declined. It hasn’t worked. Throwing money at our facilities doesn’t grow the church. Representing Jesus to the world as a group of people does.
Want to be a successful part of the Church? Represent Jesus collectively right where you are, individually and of collectively, and God will honor that.
Want to be a cool, cutting edge, and ultimately entertaining church? Pursue stuff and neglect being Christ to those around you and you’ll probably be a beacon of technological “coolness” to churches across the land…but you’ll be a small fish swimming in a much larger ocean, the sea of entertainment that moves people but doesn’t truly impact them for eternity.
* Disclaimer: I’m ALL FOR using technology in our gatherings. I’m just not for all that creating memorable experiences. If you encounter the spirit of God you will never forget that.  I’m not for all that setting moods and atmospheres for our worship gatherings remember they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.