As my family knows I will go the extra 100 miles to get to a firework display. I LOVE the scale and the noise and the creativity. Probably the best one I've seen was in Darwin around 2009. It may have been because we hadn't seen one for some time but it was breathtaking. I think that because the fireworks were on boats, they could safely launch bigger fireworks... a really memorable night. What has this to do with the usual subjects of Theology - God / Jesus / the Bible etc?
Well, one of the more difficult things to articulate is the problem with Mega Church practices. Constantly whining about them often lacks the content. I often hear, "Whats wrong with 2000 people in a room around Christianity?" It is a very good question! There are aspects of corporate worship and the feeling of being part of something big that just feels good. The social element is also alluring as we can hang out with people who fit our demographic. But, and here's the spoiler, none of this has to do with the core reason the Lord wanted believers to meet together.
Boom, pop, fizz!
The mega church model is more like a firework display. It has creativity, scale, the breathtaking 'boom!' along with the Oohh's and the Aahh's. Thousands will come to see the visual and audio event and then go home feeling they have been to a relevant church that appeals to the times. Given enough resource, the display can be up-scaled thus bringing more people who want to see 'fireworks.' Let us not miss the fact that fireworks are manufactured and disappear in a puff of smoke! The problem with the firework-church scenario is that although it looks like a successful move of God, it needs to do what is the mandate for all Christians, to disciple. No-one is called to make converts!
Smiles, stories, snacks...
A campfire involves the people gathering around a source that is consistent. It is warm, you can make food on it and it reflects light on those who are gathered around it. Spend enough time around a campfire and it inevitably leads to interaction between the people, often at a depth not normally encountered. People share deeply around campfires. I've never seen a firework display lead to heart level discussions! I'm as partial to pie and peas and the next person but it simply isn't the setting for deep fellowship. We must all acknowledge that the body of Christ is supposed to be a family through whom the graces of God flow one to another?
Instructions from Jesus
Jesus put on big firework displays! Many thousands came to follow after him. As soon as the challenges and hard teachings came many walked away! He taught on hillsides, lakes, did miracles, raised the dead, threw stuff around the Temple yet never said, 'This do...' It was in the 'campfire' scenario when they gathered around food, relaxed, warmed by the intimacy of 'family' when Jesus said 'this do when you gather to remember me.' Many are returning to the small home based gatherings around food / drink because of this command. So it's not so much a disdain for the fireworks of contemporary corporate worship or the spectacle of high tech media devices that bother me. It is God's children gathering around a Christian display that sells itself as authentic. It isn't the real thing, and believers access a Christian construct instead of experiencing the love of the Father.
I think it is a fair point to ask if both are possible. Can a 'firework display' get the crowds and then have people access a 'campfire experience?' I think the answer is 'yes' based on scripture. Jesus did 'fireworks' and so did the Apostles! They were also able to have this lead to 'campfires.' So how could they do this? The answer is by God issuing forth through them in signs and wonders! The healing at the beautiful gate was 'Boom!' for that time. That gets the crowd, but that crowd is not drawn by the works of Man. If God shows up, the transition from 'BOOM!' to BLESSING is easy because you are about things that have been uniquely initiated and ratified by God. There isn't a Man made program that draws on the senses. Loud guitars, album sales, huge screens and big auditoriums isn't a miracle... its just stuff that brings a man-made 'Boom,' just like anyone who wants to draw a crowd!
Let's be about the 'campfire' so we can be well placed if God brings His 'Fireworks!'
Gary Ward
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