Culture is part of creation and is beautiful and fascinating at the same time. Although culture should not become the guideline or regulatory principle, people are joining the culture when joining a church (as with any organization).
Have we identified what our church culture is, and do we identify with our culture? One lecture I took recently started by asking some interesting questions relating to church culture.
- How do we dress?
- Do we dance?
- Do we raise hands or clap?
- Which instruments are or are not be used?
- At what point do the projector and screen supersede the cross as the symbol of the church?
- What about makeup, body piercings, or tattoos?
- Shall we only use the King James?
- Shall we sing psalms, hymns, or praise-and-worship songs – or shall we blend them together?
These questions were an introduction to “enculturation,”; primarily related to music in the church.
I learned that some topics in our churches are not specific to our churches. I also learned why personal experience and opinions do not help solve issues. And, defining more “doctrine” (e.g. about church music) is needed rather than church members deciding.
Although we have now transitioned into global culture (macro and micro) concerning mission, evangelism and the role of worship/music, these are still thought provoking questions.