THE COMMUNITY THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTCHURCH MOVEMENT

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

““In starting Willow Creek volunteers In starting Willow Creek volunteers went through the neighborhoods to ask went through the neighborhoods to ask people why they didn't go to church people why they didn't go to church and then made adjustments in order to and then made adjustments in order to attract them.”attract them.” (Excerpted from (Excerpted from Rediscovering ChurchRediscovering Church by by

Bill Hybels. Copyright 1995 by Bill Hybels. Bill Hybels. Copyright 1995 by Bill Hybels. The Atlantic onlineThe Atlantic online http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96aug/ nxtchrch/willow.htm)http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96aug/ nxtchrch/willow.htm)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17

““At Willow Creek, we feel that At Willow Creek, we feel that God has God has given us a plan, but it doesn’t necessarily given us a plan, but it doesn’t necessarily have to apply to every churchhave to apply to every church. In fact, we . In fact, we believe that this may be one of the few believe that this may be one of the few churches that God, manifesting a sense of churches that God, manifesting a sense of humor if you will, has decided to say, ‘Look, humor if you will, has decided to say, ‘Look, I’m going to give them a little different kind I’m going to give them a little different kind of plan over here.’” (Bill Hybels and the of plan over here.’” (Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Church http://www.wayoflife. Willow Creek Church http://www.wayoflife. org/fbns/hybels.htm, my emph, sw)org/fbns/hybels.htm, my emph, sw)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music

““There are three weekend services in the main auditorium. There are three weekend services in the main auditorium. Using Using dramadrama, multi-media, , multi-media, contemporary musiccontemporary music, and a , and a message that connects with people's lives, the ageless message that connects with people's lives, the ageless wisdom of Scripture is presented in a creative, yet straight-wisdom of Scripture is presented in a creative, yet straight-forward way.” (“Weekend services,” and picture, Willow- forward way.” (“Weekend services,” and picture, Willow- creek Community Church web site, http://www. Willow- creek Community Church web site, http://www. Willow- creek.org/services.asp, my emph, sw)creek.org/services.asp, my emph, sw)

““Not just another service, Axis is a truly alternative Not just another service, Axis is a truly alternative experience for people 18 to 20-something, single or experience for people 18 to 20-something, single or married, with kids or without. The married, with kids or without. The music is edgier, as is music is edgier, as is the style of the service and the dress of attenders.”the style of the service and the dress of attenders.” (“Axis (“Axis Services — A gathering of 20-somethings,” with Services — A gathering of 20-somethings,” with picture, Willowcreek Community Church web site, picture, Willowcreek Community Church web site, http://www.willowcreek.org/services.asp, my emph, sw)http://www.willowcreek.org/services.asp, my emph, sw)

““It's also important to keep in mind that It's also important to keep in mind that artart isn't used isn't used to teach at Willow Creek. Its purpose is to pique to teach at Willow Creek. Its purpose is to pique curiosity, to evoke ideas, and to till the soil of the soul curiosity, to evoke ideas, and to till the soil of the soul so that the seed of God's Word can be planted there. so that the seed of God's Word can be planted there. Music, drama, video, multimedia, and danceMusic, drama, video, multimedia, and dance are only are only used as a prelude to a thirty- to forty-minute message used as a prelude to a thirty- to forty-minute message that then brings strong biblical clarity to the topic of that then brings strong biblical clarity to the topic of the day. It's this preaching of God's Word that the day. It's this preaching of God's Word that ultimately has the power to change lives. ultimately has the power to change lives. Art plays a Art plays a secondary -- though important -- support role.”secondary -- though important -- support role.” (Excerpted from (Excerpted from Rediscovering ChurchRediscovering Church by Bill Hybels. by Bill Hybels. Copyright 1995 by Bill Hybels. Copyright 1995 by Bill Hybels. The Atlantic onlineThe Atlantic online, , http://www.theatlantic. com/issues /96aug/nxtchrch/ http://www.theatlantic. com/issues /96aug/nxtchrch/ willow.htm, my emph, sw)willow.htm, my emph, sw)

““The style of music you choose in your service will be one The style of music you choose in your service will be one of the most critical and controversial decisions you make of the most critical and controversial decisions you make in the life of your church. It may be the most influential in the life of your church. It may be the most influential decision in determining who your church reaches for decision in determining who your church reaches for Christ and whether or not your church grows. Christ and whether or not your church grows. You must You must match your music to the kind of people God wants your match your music to the kind of people God wants your church to reach.church to reach. When selecting the style of music that is When selecting the style of music that is going to be used during your service, it must be remem- going to be used during your service, it must be remem- bered that the Bible does not dictate a ‘correct’ kind of bered that the Bible does not dictate a ‘correct’ kind of music. This is because God wants his church to grow in music. This is because God wants his church to grow in every culture, and he made people with the capacity to every culture, and he made people with the capacity to express themselves in many different musical ways. As express themselves in many different musical ways. As long as your worship ‘in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24), long as your worship ‘in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24), each local body is free to adopt whichever style of music each local body is free to adopt whichever style of music best reaches the surrounding community.” best reaches the surrounding community.” ("Frequently Asked ("Frequently Asked Questions," Saddleback Valley Community Church, available from http://www.purpose- Questions," Saddleback Valley Community Church, available from http://www.purpose- driven.com/pdc/faqs/music-faq.html, Internet; accessed August 3, 2000. via The Spiritual driven.com/pdc/faqs/music-faq.html, Internet; accessed August 3, 2000. via The Spiritual Sword, Volume 32, October 2000, No. 1, http://www.concernedmembers. com/spiritual- Sword, Volume 32, October 2000, No. 1, http://www.concernedmembers. com/spiritual- sword.htm, my emph, sw)sword.htm, my emph, sw)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music

The Use of Drama in Services:The Use of Drama in Services:• It says that God's way of communication is It says that God's way of communication is ineffective and obsolete ineffective and obsolete (1 Cor. 1:21).(1 Cor. 1:21).• It is an emotion-based communication; preaching is It is an emotion-based communication; preaching is reason-based communication. Drama shifts from reason-based communication. Drama shifts from objective biblical truth to subjective human objective biblical truth to subjective human experience.experience.• It presents a subtle way of accepting women It presents a subtle way of accepting women preachers as women speak in it preachers as women speak in it (1 Tim. 2:12)(1 Tim. 2:12)..• Drama was well known in the Greek world of Paul's Drama was well known in the Greek world of Paul's day. Why did the Holy Spirit not inspire him to day. Why did the Holy Spirit not inspire him to incorporate it? incorporate it? (Matt. 15:9)(Matt. 15:9)• It is a form of entertainment. It gets the focus off of It is a form of entertainment. It gets the focus off of Christ and on to the “players.”Christ and on to the “players.”

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music, Gal. 5:19-21; , Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:19Eph. 5:19 D. D. Efforts they make to reach out to the lostEfforts they make to reach out to the lost

““With more than 100 ministries, the With more than 100 ministries, the church offers many opportunities for church offers many opportunities for outreach. Locally, volunteers may assist in outreach. Locally, volunteers may assist in a variety of ways, from stocking groceries a variety of ways, from stocking groceries at the Food Pantry to at the Food Pantry to repairing and repairing and providing cars free of charge at the Car providing cars free of charge at the Car Ministry.”Ministry.” ( (Sowing SeedsSowing Seeds, my emph, sw , my emph, sw http://www.sowingseeds.tv/ep01willow- creek.jsp)

““The Coke Outreach on Saturday, June 28 was awesome! The Coke Outreach on Saturday, June 28 was awesome! 45 volunteers - 24 were pick-up truck drivers - 15,000 45 volunteers - 24 were pick-up truck drivers - 15,000 cans of coke -7,200 lbs of ice - 528 ft of plastic cans of coke -7,200 lbs of ice - 528 ft of plastic ““FEEDBACK FROM AN OUTREACH LEADER WHO FEEDBACK FROM AN OUTREACH LEADER WHO LED A GROUP DOWNTOWN ON FOUNTAIN SQUARELED A GROUP DOWNTOWN ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE““One lady stood out in my mind. As I asked her if she One lady stood out in my mind. As I asked her if she ‘would like an ice cold Coke?’ she accepted it with a ‘would like an ice cold Coke?’ she accepted it with a puzzled look on her face and ‘what's this for?’ When I told puzzled look on her face and ‘what's this for?’ When I told her it was ‘a simple way of showing Gods love in a her it was ‘a simple way of showing Gods love in a practical way’ she simply said "thank you" and continued practical way’ she simply said "thank you" and continued on. About 5 steps later she turned with a huge smile on her on. About 5 steps later she turned with a huge smile on her face and said ‘May God bless you.’ It was clear she had face and said ‘May God bless you.’ It was clear she had been touched in some way, how I don't know, but God been touched in some way, how I don't know, but God knew exactly what He was doing.” (knew exactly what He was doing.” (Vineyard Community Church, Vineyard Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, http://www.servecincinnati.com/)Cincinnati, Ohio, http://www.servecincinnati.com/)

Reds Game Outreach: Buy One, GIVE OneReds Game Outreach: Buy One, GIVE OneSaturday, September 27, 12:15pm departure, Saturday, September 27, 12:15pm departure, 1:15pm game time1:15pm game timeWe’re going to take several bus loads of We’re going to take several bus loads of Vineyardites down to a Red’s game, along with Vineyardites down to a Red’s game, along with a bunch of people who normally would not be a bunch of people who normally would not be able to afford to go! For $20, you can buy a able to afford to go! For $20, you can buy a ticket to the game, a bus ride down, and a free ticket to the game, a bus ride down, and a free ticket for someone who may never have seen a ticket for someone who may never have seen a game before! You can either invite someone game before! You can either invite someone who doesn’t yet know Christ to take the free who doesn’t yet know Christ to take the free ticket, or we’ll invite local kids from low-income ticket, or we’ll invite local kids from low-income neighborhoods to enjoy the game. To neighborhoods to enjoy the game. To participate, call Jeff Hansee at 293-2102. participate, call Jeff Hansee at 293-2102. ((Vineyard Vineyard Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, http://www.servecin- cinnati.com/)Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, http://www.servecin- cinnati.com/)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music, Gal. 5:19-21; , Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:19Eph. 5:19 D. D. Efforts they make to reach out to the lostEfforts they make to reach out to the lost, Jn. 12:32-33; , Jn. 12:32-33; 1 Cor. 2:1-21 Cor. 2:1-2

"Provide non-Christians with an agreeable, inoffensive "Provide non-Christians with an agreeable, inoffensive environment. Give them freedom, tolerance, and environment. Give them freedom, tolerance, and anonymity. Always be positive and benevolent. If you must anonymity. Always be positive and benevolent. If you must have a sermon, keep it brief and amusing. Don't be have a sermon, keep it brief and amusing. Don't be preachy or authoritative. Above all, keep everyone preachy or authoritative. Above all, keep everyone entertained. Churches following this pattern will see entertained. Churches following this pattern will see numerical growth, we're assured; those that ignore it are numerical growth, we're assured; those that ignore it are doomed to decline" (John MacArthur, doomed to decline" (John MacArthur, Ashamed of the Ashamed of the Gospel, Gospel, pp. 45-46, via “The Community Church pp. 45-46, via “The Community Church Movement,” Mark Dunagan www.ch-of-christ.beaverton. Movement,” Mark Dunagan www.ch-of-christ.beaverton. or.us)or.us)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENT

I. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL

A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music, Gal. 5:19-21; , Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:19Eph. 5:19 D. D. Efforts they make to reach out to the lostEfforts they make to reach out to the lost, Jn. 12:32-33; , Jn. 12:32-33; 1 Cor. 2:1-21 Cor. 2:1-2 E. E. Conditions for membershipConditions for membership, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 2:37-38

““At Saddleback we have four At Saddleback we have four requirements for membership:requirements for membership:1) A personal profession of Christ as 1) A personal profession of Christ as Lord and Savior.Lord and Savior.2) Baptism by immersion as a public 2) Baptism by immersion as a public symbol of one's faith.symbol of one's faith.3) Completion of the membership class.3) Completion of the membership class.4) A signed commitment to abide by 4) A signed commitment to abide by Saddleback's membership covenant.”Saddleback's membership covenant.”((FIRST-PERSON: Church membership FIRST-PERSON: Church membership covenant: Expect what the Bible expectscovenant: Expect what the Bible expects

Aug 19, 2002 Aug 19, 2002 By Rick Warren, By Rick Warren, http://www. http://www.

baptistpress.com/bpfeature.asp?ID=676%20)baptistpress.com/bpfeature.asp?ID=676%20)

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTI. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music, Gal. 5:19-21; , Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:19Eph. 5:19 D. D. Efforts they make to reach out to the lostEfforts they make to reach out to the lost, Jn. 12:32-33; , Jn. 12:32-33; 1 Cor. 2:1-21 Cor. 2:1-2 E. E. Conditions for membershipConditions for membership, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 2:37-38II. SOME LESSONS FROM THESE THINGSII. SOME LESSONS FROM THESE THINGS A. A. Compromise demands doctrine be de-emphasizedCompromise demands doctrine be de-emphasized, , Acts 17:30; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Jn. 4:24; Acts 20:7; Acts 17:30; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Jn. 4:24; Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 4:32-35Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 4:32-35 B. B. Mistaken compassionMistaken compassion, Acts 17:16-31; 2:36-37; 7:51-52, Acts 17:16-31; 2:36-37; 7:51-52

[Hybels found people] "(1) didn't like [Hybels found people] "(1) didn't like being bugged for money; (2) found church being bugged for money; (2) found church boring, predictable, and routine; (3) didn't boring, predictable, and routine; (3) didn't think that the church was relevant to their think that the church was relevant to their lives; and (4) lives; and (4) always left church feeling always left church feeling guilty (the Christian message was too guilty (the Christian message was too negative with sin, etc.)."negative with sin, etc.)." (Bill Hybels and the Willow (Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Church, http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns /hybels.htm, my Creek Church, http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns /hybels.htm, my emph, sw)emph, sw)

[Hybels' solution was to] "program our Sunday morning [Hybels' solution was to] "program our Sunday morning service to non-believers, so that the newcomers would feel service to non-believers, so that the newcomers would feel welcome, welcome, unthreatenedunthreatened, and entertained." , and entertained." (Source: Hybels' 1990 (Source: Hybels' 1990 message: "Who We Are at Willow Creek,” via “Willow Creek welcomes Muslim cleric's message: "Who We Are at Willow Creek,” via “Willow Creek welcomes Muslim cleric's perspective Christian Witness Ministries” perspective Christian Witness Ministries” http://www.christian-witness.org/notinpubs/willowc_islam.htm, my emph, sw)willowc_islam.htm, my emph, sw)

"Preaching-particularly preaching "Preaching-particularly preaching about sin, righteousness, and judgment-about sin, righteousness, and judgment-is too confrontive to be truly satisfying. is too confrontive to be truly satisfying. The church must learn to couch the The church must learn to couch the truth in ways that amuse and entertain" truth in ways that amuse and entertain" ((Ashamed of the GospelAshamed of the Gospel, John MacAr- , John MacAr- thur, p. 23, via Mark Dunagan, thur, p. 23, via Mark Dunagan, ibidibid.)..).

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTTHE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVEMENTI. BASIS AND APPEALI. BASIS AND APPEAL A. A. Starting a church in the N.T.Starting a church in the N.T.,, Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Matt. 16:18; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10Cor. 1:22-24; Gal. 1:10 B. B. Denial of a definite pattern for the churchDenial of a definite pattern for the church, Heb. 8:5; 2 , Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 4:17 C. C. Drama, dance and contemporary musicDrama, dance and contemporary music, Gal. 5:19-21; , Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:19Eph. 5:19 D. D. Efforts they make to reach out to the lostEfforts they make to reach out to the lost, Jn. 12:32-33; , Jn. 12:32-33; 1 Cor. 2:1-21 Cor. 2:1-2 E. E. Conditions for membershipConditions for membership, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 2:37-38II. SOME LESSONS FROM THESE THINGSII. SOME LESSONS FROM THESE THINGS A. A. Compromise demands doctrine be de-emphasizedCompromise demands doctrine be de-emphasized, , Acts 17:30; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Jn. 4:24; Acts 20:7; Acts 17:30; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Jn. 4:24; Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 4:32-35Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 4:32-35 B. B. Mistaken compassionMistaken compassion, Acts 17:16-31; 2:36-37; 7:51-52, Acts 17:16-31; 2:36-37; 7:51-52 C. C. It matters what you call the churchIt matters what you call the church, Rom. 16:16, Rom. 16:16