Speaking to Culture

So I was reading tonight and I came across this verse that I’ve read many times but I really just started to think of what it means to me and us at Lifepoint.

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.” – 1 Cor. 14:18-19

At Lifepoint we strive to speak a language that people understand and connect with. We don’t use weird words like Jeff said on Sunday. You’ll never hear us say brother or washed in the blood because honestly that crap is wierd to me much less a non-believer. Everything we do from the messages to the graphics to the environment is designed in a way that speaks a language that our culture in Wilmington NC in 2007 can understand.

You’ll probably always be able to add something to what was said at Lifepoint but we want to be simple. Jeff normally speaks with one goal in mind. We want people to walk away understanding one idea or concept instead of being confused about a whole lot of stuff. So yes, normally other things could be said but we choose to speak in a way people will understand. What good does it do to confuse people?

What I really love is the part where Paul says “to help others”. What’s he saying here? It’s not about him! It’s about others! No matter how well or what gifts he has, it’s not about that or him. It’s about doing things in a way that other people connect with. Church isn’t about us as believers doing things the way we like them. It’s about seeing people come to know Christ and evolve into his likeness. If our culture changes and bluegrass blows up guess what? Lifepoint will play bluegrass no matter how much we hate it because IT’S NOT ABOUT US! It’s not about making sure things are the way you like or going deep or being comfortable! It’s all about presenting the love of Jesus in a way that other people can understand.