A Shameful Dispute Among the Brethren - Hold Your Tongue Part II

I only became aware of this the other day. Two Christian brothers of some notoriety are having a public dispute. One is a young up and coming Pastor of what has grown into a mega church, the other is a brother with a TV and Radio show that has a following among the orthodoxy. It is pretty shameful what is going on between the two of them,
The orthodox brother decries the use of modern music and marketing devices he claims have no place in growing a church. The young Pastor accuses the orthodox brother of being a Pharisee and defends himself by saying one does not gain converts by ignoring perceived cultural norms but by turning the evil of said cultural norms to good use. God has done that for eons, just read the Bible for examples.

Their debate has nothing to do with the true Gospel. It is nothing but a clash of egos and they both need to check themselves.

There are differing styles of ministry that the Holy Spirit uses equally to attract the lost. We need to constantly remind ourselves of this. If the true Gospel is being preached once the folks get inside a church how they got there is not very important. If some folks keep coming back because of the music, the style of preaching, the different forms of worship, what does it matter as long as all is biblical and the Gospel is going out to all who want to and need to hear it?

I found it ironic that the (hyper?) orthodox brother was explaining how the Christian walk is a balancing act; that we all have to walk a fine line between grace abuse and legalism while he himself by his tone and pointing his bony finger was being an example of the very legalism he was decrying.
The young brother on the other hand needs to mind his temper. His anger was apparent and his sharp tongue and ill chosen words will win no new converts.

Here is the real problem: Non-believers witness this behavior and reject Christ because of it.

With all that is going on in the church these days I constantly find myself going back to this verse:

James 3: 8

“… no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” NLT

We need to check ourselves constantly or we will become instruments of Satan instead of a force for good used by the Holy Spirit.

Until the next time, May the LORD bless us and Keep us, in Jesus name I pray.