Preaching … The New Trend?

First let me start off by saying that this is my opinion and many may or may not agree with me. It may even tick a few people off (I know it’s hard to believe but this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done that. I would also bet my bottom dollar that it won’t be the last.) It’s simply a hypothetical question that I pose to the public masses.
Is preaching or being a preacher the new trend?
It seems that every time you turn around someone is preaching their initial, feels led to begin their journey into divinity/theology school or has been called by God to stand at the front of a church and tell the people his good word.
Now there are some that do this and do it well. It takes dedication to be in that position because being a preacher, reverend, minister is hard work ya’ll. I mean some serious, out-of-this-world, being on call 24/7, no days off, see you every Sunday, pray for you when I don’t want to, entertain you when I don’t want to, lead my feet cause I know that people are following me type of hard work.
My question is simply this: If everyone is called to be a preacher then who is sitting in the congregation?
Who is listening to this mighty word of God that you’ve been given? Who’s welcoming the people in for this word? Who’s making sure that the lights stay on, the parking lot is clean and the grass stays cut?
The bottom line is that ministry is much more than just having or being a preacher. It’s the many components of that church: preacher, ushers, stewards, congregants and musicians that serve and sacrifice themselves that make the ministry successful. It’s the teamwork put in place to give God glory that allows churches to do more than pack the pews but save souls, as well.
Furthermore, there are a number of ways to minister that don’t include preaching. We can minister in dance, song, music, prayers, cooking, cleaning or simply talking with each other. It can be done in the background where no one knows your name or even what you do. Your service should be done selflessly and not to gain recognition in the process. It doesn’t have to include a hoot, a holler or speaking in tongues.
Simply put: You can lead others to Christ without preaching or having a title in the front of your name.
As Christians, that’s our job. To evangelize to others and spread the love of Christ, through our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even those without titles.
Even those who sit on the pews.
I’m just saying.

Turn Up for Christ

How do you say thank you to someone that continues to be a beacon of light in a time where so many people are content to stand in the dark?

That’s how I feel when I listen to so many of our young gospel artists. Roughly 15 years ago, the Senior Saints had a fit when Kirk Franklin came out with a song with some extra bass and a secular rapper. It was said that he was mocking God, creating unnecessary noise or teaching the children inappropriate dance when it came to Praise and Worship.

I feel he was just watering the seeds of Christianity in the next generation. He has opened the doors for so many other artists (by introducing them, signing them to his label, writing their lyrics, or collaborating) to express themselves in a way that fits them. A way that has allowed artists to go mainstream, furthering their reach to those who need to hear the word of God.

Is it Grandma’s dance? Nope but their praise is uncensored, unabashedly and unashamedly authentic to themselves. A praise that has nothing to do with the people in the pews or in the pulpit. A praise that is for God and him alone.

My problems aren’t the same as Grandma’s either. What she connects to is not what I can connect to, so why condemn me because I Luv God? If I can rep my God in the Church, how is it that I’m considered worldly by bumping the Trap Gospel? If you turn down the bass, slow down the beat and soften the verse the message is still the same. The call to Christ is still the same. The call to remain strong in the face of temptation and adversity is the same.

Kirk Franklin, Uncle Reece, Gemstones, Lecrae, Kierra Sheard, Erica Campbell and Mary Mary, Andy Mineo, Canton Jones, Dewayne Woods, Mali Music, Bizzle, Jor’Dan, Travis Greene and so many others — Thank You for using your God-given talents to be fishers of men despite what others have to say.

At the end of the day, all of these artists are doing something that churches who ostracize them and their music have trouble doing. They’re reaching a generation that feel unable to be themselves because they aren’t churchy enough, they don’t know all of the scriptures and their prayer sounds different than the deacon’s. They’ve been told that they only drink milk when it comes to the word because their interpretation takes on a more real-life application, a fitted cap and a pair of blue jeans are their church clothes, and they greet you with dap instead of the sideways church hug.

I’m glad that I can be a part of a generation that refuses to conform to the ways of past. I’m glad to be a part of a generation that becomes radical in its praise as the world continues to become even more radical in its destruction. How can you not in times like this? A time where you have to stand for Jesus or fall for anything.

And I thank God that I’m allowed to raise a little person who is just as passionate about turning up for Christ as I am. I thank God I can prepare a kingdom builder who can share HIM inside and outside the church. So I take her back to when an artist dared to change the way we praise, going from a step to a stomp.

And let her know it’s okay to get crunk for Christ. If a king can dance out of his clothes, it’s the least we can do.

I’m just saying.