As the 21st century began, churches across various denominations faced a significant decline in worship attendance. This alarming trend has severely undermined the importance of proper prayer, praise, and glorification, which are essential to the spiritual vitality of the community.
The rise of social media and the diminishing visibility of Christianity in public life has fundamentally transformed churches into vibrant social settings rather than religious institutions, that should be praised.
Certain denominations, including Eastern Orthodox and Catholic groups, have retained traditional worship styles. In contrast, numerous Protestant communities have adopted a more contemporary approach, significantly shaped by emerging youthful and energetic leaders.
Pastor Michael Todd, who leads the prominent Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is one of the most famous and influential pastors in today’s generation of believers. However, his teachings and tactics have been deemed heretical and irreverent by traditionalists.
“‘I said, ‘We’re going to go to the edge on this.’ And they said, Pastor, how far on the edge are we going to go?’ and I said, “We’re going to do everything short of sin,” Pastor Todd said during Transformation church’s Easter production in 2023.
This message may appear uplifting and encouraging to believers, but it is fundamentally unbiblical and misleading. As children of God, we must decisively reject any desire or thought of sin if we are to live a life that truly seeks Him (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Transformation Church has been controversial for many years, particularly for the Pastors’ outlandish and secular analogies. Transformation Church’s messages and teachings differ significantly from those of the early Church fathers, including pouring maple syrup on a Bible, sitting in a kiddie pool while preaching, and even referring to Jesus Christ as a “stripper.”
True believers need to hear the truth, not false teachings that rob them of self-awareness (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Churches should uplift believers and encourage them to grow deeper within their respective faith, because the ultimate goal is to give God the glory that He rightfully deserves.
In the current landscape of the “modern” worship movement, we observe a troubling shift where personal enjoyment and inclusivity have taken precedence over the true purpose of worship—glorifying the Divine. This evolving focus undermines the transformative power that genuine worship is meant to foster.
Roswell high school teacher, Mr. Derek Shackelford, was asked about the movement and the adverse effects of over-inclusivity that have come with it.
“In an effort for modern religion to be all-inclusive, they have diluted the message and the word; so, that it has become too open and too interpretive, and not following the actual word.” Shackelford said.
Inclusivity must be an essential cornerstone of our church community, as it cultivates a genuinely welcoming environment that embraces every individual. By prioritizing inclusivity, we not only reflect our shared values but also enhance our unity and promote spiritual growth.
Nevertheless, we must remember that Christian doctrine calls us to center our lives around the worship and glorification of our Lord, ensuring that this remains our highest priority in all that we do. The shift in worship has placed other aspects of life, including inclusivity, ahead of the true reason we worship, glorifying God.
