I recently read a post from our small groups and multi-site pastor John Atkinson, addressing a concern that someone has that Bay Area is going into new areas with video-venues and are going to “steal people from other churches.” The truth is, and I mean this in a good way….we don’t want them! Long term Christians who either grew up in church or have been a faithful part of another ministry typically give us problems, because they keep comparing where they came from with where they are now. They almost always complain about our worship style, insist our small groups function like the “Sunday school” they used to attend, and wonder when the pastor will get “deeper” for them. As they are complaining, someone (either a member or a pastor) will challenge them to serve, lead a group, and tithe (which they almost always do not do!) and then they leave in a huff, angry that we did not “meet their needs.”
This post may sound negative, but I just have to go there…I grew up in church, and the traditional church environment changed my life. There are very sincere believers in churches of all kinds of worship flavor that are seeking God, honoring one another, and reaching out to a lost world in desperate need of Jesus Christ. But let’s face it….there are also a lot of churches out there that are navel gazing, acting holier-than-thou, doing nothing for the kingdom of God, and when they see a church like ours, they immediately begin to criticize because they don’t like how we do church. It’s one thing to not like the style of a church, but it’s another thing altogether to act like you are more spiritual just because a church doesn’t fit your style. Some Christians are even going so far as to call churches like Bay Area out from the pulpit. I have even been called heretical, and I have had people tell me that they wander whether a church like ours is even really a church. My response: “Lord, save me from your worst followers!” Here’s the rub: Many churches being criticized for being innovative, outreach-oriented (dare I say attractional?) are also in a denomination. These denominations will often host meetings where speakers will criticize the “new church” style, yet 5 minutes before the criticism-fest, the denominational leaders were quoting their “salvations for the year” and most of them came from the churches they are knocking! Here is a reality check for all of us, no matter where you go to church: A Pharisee is not a traditionalist….a Pharisee is someone who refuses to believe that God can come in a form or style they do not recognize as being legit. A Pharisee is also someone whose main expression of faith is to point out the perceived flaws of others. All church styles are needed and can be effective. Let’s all be faithful to our church, and stop criticizing or competing with other churches….for this is being faithful to the Church, not just your (little c) church.
I pray that Bay Area grows like crazy, alongside every church that believes the Bible and proclaims Jesus for salvation…there is enough room for all of us to grow.
AMEN!!! Great post Bil! I pray that God continues to expand your territory in Corpus, Texas, and the whole freakin' world.
Posted by: Gabe Trevino | July 03, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Bravo Pastor!!! I am a Calallen graduate and foresaw the negative response that BAF is experiencing. But when I thought about it I just smiled because I had faith that you would answer exactly as you did here. I found my salvation at one of the churches in that area, however you well described them in your post. It's so sad that while people are dying and going to hell, we are to busy arguing about how we should dress, preach, worship and what kind of music should be played. It's an often used expression in business, "Keep the main thing the main thing." Bay Area Fellowship has never forgot what the "Main Thing" is, saving the lost, and that's why it's blessed. God Bless BAF and ALL Christ centered churches. May we all grow untill there are no lost left to be saved. AMEN
Posted by: Richard Wendland | July 04, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Well put. I was a "wandering" christian for many years. I started trying different disciplines and eventually ended up at BAF Kingsville. Why did I join? Many reasons, but the most important is that BAF let me worship the way I wanted to, not force me to worship a certain way. I heard some negative comments from others, such as the usual "they just want your money." I know where my tithe goes, and I will continue to tithe till my last day. My wife and I have enjoyed BAF for 2 1/2 years, and we have been blessed throughout our journey. WE are involved in many aspects of our church. Anyway, I am a perfect example of a BAF'er. I wasn't forced to go or stolen from another church, I just wanted to see another vision, and I found what I was looking for.
Posted by: vic | July 04, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Right on bro!
Keep pressing on.
Posted by: greg oraham | July 05, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I agree totally with your view. It disappoints me to know others will disrespect our church views. There is so much going on for the good of Gods work, that others will continue to knock our church. Why is it that when something is going right, others will try to tear it down. Lets keep up the good work and let the light of God shine brighter than before.
Posted by: John Leal | July 05, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I thank God that we are now partnering together. I still remember sending John that first email last year telling him how much I respect and appreciate what Bay Area was doing. It is amazing that here my wife and I are leading a campus now.
I know we won't be dis-swayed from what God wants us to do. Our goal is to reach the lost and we are going to do that. I know we won't change what others say or what they perceive.
Just know that we are going to keep the main thing...the main thing. We are going to reach this area and make a difference. We are going to make the Corpus area and beyond the hardest place to go to hell.
Posted by: Jason Curlee | July 05, 2008 at 08:35 PM
GREAT post Bil! I am venturing to plant a church in my area within the next year or so and you would not believe the crap I've had to put up with from local pastors who think I want to steal their members! I am so blown away by this because first, these people don't 'belong' to anyone else but God, second, I don't want to start a church with church people! We are called to reach the lost and sometimes 'church people' can prevent that. Anyway, you read my mind Bil!
Posted by: Troy Hamby | July 05, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Amen! Pastor Bil. I have been attending BAF for about 2 months now. I moved to Corpus a year ago from Houston. I came from a very traditional Episcopal Church in Houston. I visited many churches in Corpus but none felt like home until I entered BAF. Immediately, I knew I found my new church. Who are others to judge our church? So be it. As long as BAF continues to glorify God it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. God lead me to BAF and I am so excited to be part of the amazing work BAF is doing. I am honored to call BAF my church. Even in the short time I've been attending, it is a true bessing from God. Thanks for all you do and your staff. Keep up the good work. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Posted by: Lisa Robbins | July 16, 2008 at 11:47 AM