Bob Russell – How to implement change without alienating old timers

Observations:
1. Revolution in worship is more than music
2. My preferred style of music is not the majority
3. The conflict does not decrease in intensity with time
4. The disagreement is usually generational, but not always
5. Flexibility is necessary on both/all sides
6. Motivations are positive and negative
7. It’s possible to make changes, and not lose harmony

7 Ways to make change
1. Include a hymn or two in every service and sing one in original arrangement.
2. Respect different expressions of worship and don’t demand someone change, ie don’t ask everyone to clap.
3. If involved in leading worship dress modestly and mute suggestive movement
4. Keep amplification and volume reasonable. There is power when people on stage can hear congregation and vice versa.
5. Avoid repetition. Edit songs, old and new, so that they aren’t too repetitive.
6. Leave people wanting more. Limit singing and standing to 10 minutes. “When a member of the body suffers we all suffer.”
7. Take time to listen to people. Even schedule meeting times with multiple generations.

Rick Rusaw – The Externally Focused Church

Externally Focused Churches
Are not defined by size, location, or denomination.
Are defined by perspective and purpose.

5 Characteristics of an EFC
1. They believe that the community cannot be healthy without the church.
2. They believe that Christians cannot grow until they serve. (Growth will not happen in a 101, 201, 301 system.) Ephesians 2:8-10
3. They understand the power of service. Lenin didn’t outlaw Christianity in USSR but outlawed acts of service by the church. You have to rake a lot of leaves before the community begins to ask your opinion.
4. They are evangelistically effective.
5. They partner with other entities.

Micah 6:8…Acts of mercy allow you to get traction in order to do justice.

Rick’s Comment: The American Church has lost the ability to speak into the culture because we have withdrawn from it…because it’s dirty. We’ve got to get close enough where we can whisper into people’s lives.
Robert’s Digestion: PCA should be finding ways to help public schools along with educating children in a “protected” system. They need to be building up kids so that they can direct culture. Harmony should think about doing as much for public schools as it is for PCA.

The question we always need to be asking, “How do we take the unchanging message of Jesus to the always, rapidly changing world?” We always need to be evaluating the delivery, and looking or creating new kinds of delivery options.

Bob Russell – Wise words

Wise Words…

When problems surface in the church and confession is not made but someone is confronted then it is highly likely that there is more to the story.

Whoever wrote, “A picture is worth one thousand words.” used words. So, preach the Bible it will always be relevant.

Key Preaching Principles
1. Preaching will always be relevant.
2. The Bible is the ultimate source of power – rely on it. MEANING: preach fewer “eye catching” topics, make edification main purpose not evangelism, don’t be obsessed with innovation, preach through books of the Bible or on its characters.
3. Study time should be scheduled. MEANING: 20 hours a week in preparation by reading, developing examples, and condensation.
4. Consistency is critical in building a healthy church – maintain it. MEANING: If you can’t bring the sermon with the same energy the week after Easter as you did Easter weekend then get someone else to preach.
5. A sense of passion/intensity is essential for an effective delivery
6. Sharing the whole counsel of God takes courage – preach it!