Relevant

1 Corinthians 9:19–22 NKJV

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Relevance does not mean compromise. It means— the ability to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user, or the practical and especially social applicability.

As a church we must be willing to adapt and change to meet the needs of the community.

This does not mean change our message but adaption of our methods, (within biblical parameters.)

Many churches take this thought to far and begin to accept sin and worldly philosophy.

Therefore, we must not cater to the world so that there is no difference between them and us.

2 Corinthians 6:17 NKJV

Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

So how do we remain biblically faithful, and culturally relevant?

We must bring our technology up to the high standards that society expects.

More and more people are going to church remotely. I know, I want them in church as well. However, some cannot and others will not. For many that may attend, they will almost certainly watch online first. The first impression will always stick with them, so our first impression must count.

2. Provide places of service.

People want to belong where they matter. We must provide means and methods of service. That may be through less traditional methods such as blogs, facebook, etc… However, it may also be through more traditional means.

3. Adapting to an ever changing community.

This means a willingness to accept people that may be different than what we are use to.

It may mean reaching people of different ethnicities and languages.

It may even require that we reach those effected by drug and alcohol addiction.

4. Be willing to allow our styles and traditions to grow with the church as the church grows.

5. Provide more community to our members and guest.

People are looking for family and community in these uncertain times. We must become a church of strong community. Not just for the long time member, but also for the newest visitor.