Highway to Where?

NewSpring Church, a multi-site church in the Carolina's, kicked off their Easter services with AC/DC's song "Highway to Hell" (watch it here). I smile as I picture the faces of many "church going" folk as that first cord rang out Sunday morning. I smile as I picture your face reading this! 

"How dare they?" "This is the house of God?" "Why would they play something 'of the world' in our 'shelter from the world'?" The religious are easily offended aren't they? Maybe better stated...WE are easily offended aren't we?

While that method of ministry wouldn't work in every church (nor should it be tried in every church) - it certainly does at NewSpring. They know their target audience and church culture. The song was simply a reminder and a connection point. It reminded the attenders that we are all on the "highway to hell" until we encounter the cross.

If this ministry method is still bothering you - think about it for a moment. The "church" isn't for us - but rather we are the church. Any time you don't like something or any time something bothers you in a worship service, remember that it reached someone else. Not everyone likes the same things you do. Not everyone prefers the music, sermons, videos, etc. that you prefer. So celebrate that the thing you don't like connected to the heart of someone else! The church isn't for us but rather we are the church.

Our job is to make disciples. To seek and save the lost. To be on mission with Jesus. And sometimes that means we use methods that will attract and engage those who have yet to meet Christ - those who may be different than us. I bet there were a lot of first time guests who will come back to NewSpring this coming weekend because the church engaged them where they were at on their spiritual journey. Because the church related to them. Because the church seemed relevant to their lives. Because they connected with NewSpring!

Praise God that Jesus came to this earth, humbled himself, and endured the cross for the joy set before Him! He rescued us from the highway to hell!

"You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."  (Matthew 7:13-14)