Here is the promised 2nd place paper, from my perspective.  As I have mentioned, these papers were written as part of a lecture series on “Earnestly Contending” that I have delivered at Fairhaven Baptist College.  Students were assigned to write a short paper explaining what is wrong with contemporary worship, and why we must contend for the issue.  As an incentive, I promised to post online any articles that I thought were well-written and compelling. 

Our first three posts offered the “honorable mentions” and the top ten.  Yesterday, we revealed the third-place entry.  Today, we give you second place.

Jenna Wilson

They put up their stage lighting to “feel the presence of God” when it only takes away from the One that they are supposedly worshipping! It no longer is a service to worship the Lord, but a concert to please the flesh…

The church service used to be one of holiness, righteousness, and fully focused on God. Preachers hid behind God’s Word in the hope of reaching souls. Music was for the sole purpose of honoring the Lord. But contemporary worship has crept in unawares corrupting what once was holy and God-honoring. The people of God do not come to church to worship Him, but to please themselves.  Contemporary worship has taken over the Lord’s people’s view of music, dress, the platform set up, and even the lighting of the church. Is this God’s house or MY house?

The music in these so-called “churches” is less God-honoring and more flesh appealing. He is mentioned very little in these “praise and worship hymns”. The music style is so important; it doesn’t just convey a message, it is the message. Is Christ that message?

Style is not just important in music, but dress as well. In today’s contemporary worship services, the phrase “Come as you are” is used. Unfortunately, “come as you are” means “stay as you are.” No change actually happens. With this slogan, contemporary worshipers have developed a “shabbiness” to them. More self-pleasing than God-honoring.

Not only is the flesh pleased in music and in dress, but the platform adds to the flesh’s appetite. The pulpit is removed and is replaced with a trap set. No serious preaching from the Word of God seems to take place.

Lastly, the lighting in these churches has turned from necessary to excessive. They put up their stage lighting to “feel the presence of God” when it only takes away from the One that they are supposedly worshipping! It no longer is a service to worship the Lord, but a concert to please the flesh, all in the name of serving the Lord.

Contemporary worshipers have lost the whole meaning to life–bringing praise and honor to the Lord. “for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). It is God’s house, not MY house!