From Mark Copeland... "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Secularism

                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                               Secularism

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
   a. Denominationalism
   b. Sectarianism
   c. Factionalism
   d. Traditionalism

2. Each contribute toward changing the church...
   a. Into something very different than Jesus intended
   b. Churches that are carnal, fleshly, more of the world than of 

      God

[A similar challenge confronting churches is the trend toward secularism...]

I. DEFINING SECULAR AND SECULARISM

   A. SECULAR...
      1. Worldly rather than spiritual - American Heritage Dictionary
      2. Of or relating to worldly things as distinguished from things
         relating to church and religion; not sacred or religious;
         temporal; worldly - YourDictionary.com

   B. SECULARISM...
      1. Indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and
         religious considerations - Merriam-Webster
      2. Worldly spirit, views, or the like; esp., a system of doctrines
         and practices that disregards or rejects any form of religious
         faith and worship - YourDictionary.com

[One would think that by definition churches would be religious,
spiritual, sacred, in nature.  Yet many have noted that in too many churches, there are...]

II. MANIFESTATIONS OF SECULARISM

   A. THE CHURCH AS A BUSINESS INSTUTITION...
      1. In the Bible, the church is a spiritual institution
         a. The body of Christ, the kingdom of God - 1Co 12:27; Col 1:13
         b. The bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit - 2Co 11:2; 1Co 3:16
         c. With elders served as shepherds, feeding and guiding the flock of God - Ac 20:28
         d. Deacons met physical needs, but so others could focus on spiritual needs - Ac 6:1-7
         e. Preachers were devoted to the Word, serving as evangelists - 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 4:5
      2. Today, many churches function more like a business
         a. Elders are more like board members, directors, corporate managers
         b. Preachers have become staff managers, counselors, figure heads
         c. Members divided into committees, departments, with chairpersons, superintendents
         d. Evangelism has turned into marketing, public relations

   B. THE CHURCH AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION...
      1. Today, many churches have become social clubs
         a. Building gymnasiums, eating ("fellowship") halls
         b. Offering mental counseling, babysitting services
         c. Providing entertainment for children and even adults
      2. Whereas in the Bible the church focused on the spiritual
         a. They assembled to worship, edify one another - Ac 20:7; He 10:24-25
         b. Trends leading to make the focus social or secular were addressed - 1Co 11:17-34
         c. The assembly was their "fellowship hall", the Lord’s Supper their "fellowship dinner"
         d. Families were expected to take care of their social needs,
            lest the church become burdened and unable to fulfill its primary duties - e.g., 1Ti 5:16

[Turning the church from a spiritual institution into a secular one does
not occur overnight.  Changes that appear innocent and harmless may be
the "gateway drug" to secularism.  A few thoughts for...]

III. AVOIDING SECULARISM

   A. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SACRED AND SECULAR...
      1. Let the church fulfill its role as a spiritual institution, focused on:
         a. Teaching the Word of God, praising God
         b. Providing opportunities to fulfill spiritual duties (e.g.,Lord’s Supper, assembling)
         c. Equipping the saints for ministry, much of which will occur outside the church
      2. Let family and society fulfill their roles
         a. Parents and friends providing entertainment, physical needs
         b. Professionals providing medical and counseling needs
         c. Individuals joining together in charitable organizations to serve others

   B. ADOPT BIBLICAL GUIDELINES...
      1. The church should focus on providing spiritual needs - 1Co 11:34
         a. Many churches struggle as to when and where to draw the line
         b. Paul does so in this passage; can it not be a guide for us today?
      2. As a church, be careful not to take on unnecessary burdens - 1Ti 5:16
         a. Many churches are burdened with social concerns, neglecting spiritual ones
         b. Paul warns against this in this passage; can it not be a guide as well?
      3. Let the organization of the church be patterned after the New
         Testament, not modern day businesses with their titles and organizations - e.g., Php 1:1

CONCLUSION

1. The Lord’s church is a wonderful institution; but God has other institutions as well...
   a. Such as family, government, etc.
   b. Each uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill their respective roles

2. The Lord’s church is likewise uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill a role...
   a. One that is spiritual and sacred
   b. One that can easily be neglected or burdened

Even with the best of intentions, the Lord’s church can easily be
transformed from a spiritual institution into a secular one.  That is the danger of secularism...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011