A Newsletter of Biblically Balanced Ministries, Inc.
A Time for Balanced
Services (December 1999)
Christmas is often a missed opportunity for reaching people with the gospel. The message is there but it is disguised or hidden in the drama, music, and sentimentalism. Dynamics of the season can and should be one of our greatest opportunities for evangelism.
More people are willing to attend Christmas services than any other services during the year. The cute children's programs, the dynamic cantatas, and moving dramas attract people to come. Themes like "Peace on Earth," "Joy to the World," and "God so Loved" are non-threatening opportunities to invite seekers (people open to spiritual things) to come and hear a message of hope. The appeals include a sentimental attraction, an appreciation of music, and simply a nice program to attend. Paul the apostle's philosophy was
"that I might by all means save some." Christmas services provide a unique
"means" to reach people, let us learn to use the means.
One of the dangers in the Christmas season is to compromise the message. A philosophy common in churches today is based on the approach of being "Seeker Driven." A result of this philosophy of ministry is to do nothing to offend the seeker. The message can become hidden in an attempt to make people feel comfortable. Christmas is especially vulnerable through presenting the message in drama and music without any application to respond to who the person of Jesus is.
A distinction should be made between "Seeker Driven" and "Seeker Sensitive." The terms are often used interchangeably but a distinction should be maintained. The 'Seeker Driven" philosophy makes a priority of being non-offensive and acceptable to the seeker. Often, this leads to a compromised message. "Seeker Sensitive" should mean that we are sensitive to how we can best communicate our message [without compromise] so that people come, hear and respond biblically to the message. Christmas gives a unique opening to be seeker sensitive without compromising the message.
The following are some suggestions for keeping the balance in our Christmas ministries.
First, declare the purpose of Jesus coming, "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their
sins" (Matthew 1:21). A tendency today might be to declare "He will save" and not mention what we are to be saved from our "sins." Christmas is a sentimental time but a balanced message includes dealing with the reality of the sin issue. The message dose not need to be nor should be judgmental or condemning but we cannot ignore the issues of sin and repentance.
Secondly, we need to avoid teaching or implying a
universalism. When we use terms like "Peace on Earth" or "Joy to the World" without explaining the context or meaning people can be left with a false sense of hope or security. Universalism at its basic root teaches that all men are or will be saved regardless of faith. The Christmas message should proclaim hope through faith in the "only begotten son" Jesus Christ.
Thirdly, Christmas should be used as a time for "inviting" people to not only come and hear but to respond to the message that a "Savior is born." Dramas and music present a great opportunity to bring people out to services. If "seekers" come and go without realizing a decision needs to be made we have presented an unbalanced message. The invitation does not
necessarily need to be an "alter call." However, communicating the message of Christmas should call people to respond in faith. Christmas services need to include an invitation to not only
"come and see" but to receive. "As many as received Him to them He gave the right to become the children of
God."
We need to balance our message and witness at Christmas. Use "all means" to reach people. The dramas and the music are great opportunities but balance includes
"He will save His people from their sins." Discovering and proclaiming this truth at Christmas is what brings real peace and joy through eternal life.
by Gary R. Becker, President
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