Most of us are probably familiar with the old fable about the Arab and the camel. I'm sure there are variations to the story, but it runs along this line: As an Arab slept in his tent in the desert, his camel stood outside in the cold night air. In time, the camel pleaded for the Arab to let him put just his nose inside, because it was so cold outside, and the Arab granted this wish. Soon, the camel pleaded to put just his face inside, which really wouldn’t take up any room at all, and to this the Arab also agreed. Then the camel followed with consecutive, but subtle, requests which included his neck, his right foot, his left foot, his front legs, his shoulders, and his waist. Eventually, the camel ever so gradually managed to ease more and more of himself into the tent, so that finally the camel occupied the entire tent, and the Arab had been displaced outside to the cold night air. I think you can see how this analogy applies to change agents who gradually infiltrate traditional churches.

A common ploy used to transform traditional churches into bastions of the unbiblical Change Movement is to introduce the so-called “blended service,” which gradually and progressively blends worldly, contemporary elements (rock music, drama, skits, etc.) with traditional worship. But make no mistake in believing that services in such churches will always remain “blended.” The vast majority of such churches are only in “transition,” for as the camel worked his entire body into the tent, the change agents intend for the contemporary to supplant and replace the traditional completely. The process could take years to accomplish, because all workings must be subtle and gradual.

Here’s a case illustration. In previous posts, I’ve told my story, that I was formerly an organist for nearly four years at a once-traditional Southern Baptist church in Nashville. Some two years into my post there, the thirty-something pastor brought in a contemporary rock band to perform during the services, and their participation at first was limited to one Sunday morning per month. After all, the old traditionalists could only tolerate the ear-splitting cacophony of crashing drums, screeching guitars, and vocal acrobatics for short periods. This was the pastor’s decision alone, and the congregation had not been consulted beforehand. When challenged about his decision, the pastor bristled and ordered that the congregation must learn to appreciate ALL musical styles, because (in his biased opinion), “God loves diversity.”

This scenario went on for a year or so, then the rock performances increased to two Sunday mornings a month and included one, then two Sunday nights a month…you get the drift. And the choir, which had theretofore sung traditional pieces, began to drift to more contemporary songs as well, for the minister of music was under the pastor’s thumb. Soloists also sang contemporary pieces designed to show off their vocal acrobatic skills, and from time to time, drama and skits appeared during the services. On one occasion, teenage girls performed a dance routine with hand signs to recorded music, which supposedly told a “Christian” story. So I left that changing, entertainment-oriented church, as I’ve noted earlier. Services there now are almost exclusively contemporary, although a few traditional hymns still appear from time to time. The transitional ploy of a “blended” service has virtually given way to full metamorphosis. But the crucial point of the story is that all this gradual, contemporary change served as a prelude for the church to pursue Rick Warren’s “40 Days of Purpose” study in August-September of 2004. Again, instead of consulting the congregation, the pastor successfully railroaded the final “change” element into his church.

All too often, biblically illiterate, spiritually lazy church goers rely on their pastors/ministers to supply all of their spiritual needs, when in fact their trusted “shepherd” could be plotting a major coup, as I’ve shown above. Only by being biblically literate and ever-watchful will traditional churches be successful in keeping the Change Movement from their doors.

While “blended service” may not be equated with “worship choreography,” the Madison leadership has imitated its “Community Church”/Pentecostal/denominational neighbors in both aspects. The congregation has “no idea”—I’ve been informed—that “all worship services are completely choreographed, the prayers that are being said included.” That explains why part of the worship “programming” sometimes includes a “trinity” of men reciting a “written message” to the congregation, and the message is not necessarily a “responsive”/scripture reading from the Bible. That explains why the prayer leader [most often an elder (note that “shepherd” is currently the preferred/more acceptable/kinder term)] constantly mentions the “presence” and “influence” of the Holy Spirit in the assembly. That explains why the “shepherd” during his prayer [literally] “lays hands on” Bruce White before he delivers his sermon. [Wonder how this ritual or routine makes Bruce comfortable or uncomfortable? Hmmm.]

Well, there’s a lot more that can be said about the “worship service” being completely choreographed. But that’s enough for now. The Worship Committee [wonder what the early apostolic church had in lieu of this committee], which is currently under the headship of Elder Buck Dozier [wonder, too, when his “tenure” ends], has experimented with all sorts of worship format combinations in both the “traditional” and “contemporary” assemblies [and how divisive!]. Possible combinations: (1) all hymns, (2) all contemporary “praise” songs, (3) mostly hymns with less contemporary music, (4) mostly contemporary music with very few hymns, (5) singy-clappy-jazzy choruses included, (6) singy-clappy-jazzy choruses excluded, (7) inclusion of “worship” musical pieces that depict everything but reverence—and others.

One thing that’s worth noting is that while the overall sound “effects” may be improving—from the human ear’s standpoint—real congregational singing is dissipating from our midst. Why? It’s because of the Praise Team taking over and dominating the singing. [Actually, the amplification of the Praise Team’s (6-8) voices is rigged to exponentially increase the multiplicity of voices. Oops, how did I say that? I think you know what I’m trying to say.] Also, just imagine Keith’s antics on stage.

Dr Crump, time is drawing near when “blended service” at Madison will be a “transitional ploy” NO MORE … I’m afraid. Time is coming, too, when both “services” will be all-contemporary. Of course, by then, most of the “fossils” will have departed.

Donnie

Donnie, your comment about prayers at Madison Church being "choreographed" reminds me of an incident with the pastor at my former church. Somehow, he got himself selected to be one of the pastors to lead the opening prayer for a session of Congress in Washington. The event was taped, and he brought the trophy tape back home and set up a VCR station at the church so that all could see him in action. When he came to the podium, he slipped out a piece of paper and read his entire prayer. This is ironic, given that this same pastor opposed having an order of worship printed for his services, claiming that he would just let the Holy Spirit guide the services (that is, everything was to be "spontaneous," and nobody would know what was going to happen next). Why didn't this pastor let the Holy Spirit guide a spontaneous prayer before Congress?

It makes one wonder how often people (including ministers, priests, and pastors) use the crutch of scripted prayers to address God in public. Perhaps it satisfies the feeling that the prayers must be "perfect" and "ear candy" to the mortal listeners (that is, politically correct and non-offensive).

Also consider the Roman Catholic Church, the liturgy of which is entirely written out for every possible worship occasion and Mass, including all the prayers. All the priest needs to do is read them (if he hasn't memorized them) from the book which an altar boy (or girl) holds before him. Nothing spontaneous there.

Good point on the Roman Catholic Church liturgy. Matthew 6:7 says—“… when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do….” Perhaps the RCC should allow variations in reciting the “Hail, Mary” portion of the Rosary. But the main problem is in the beads used in counting prayers. [Ha-ha-ha!]

Praying in public can be a difficult thing for certain people who are not accustomed to doing it. Perhaps, we can be more forgiving and tolerant of scripted prayers in instances where “others” are involved besides oneself. Now, the scriptures say a lot about private prayers, and there should be greater emphasis in praying privately, instead.

In the case of choreographed prayers in worship, I have a problem with prepared statements that purposely present erroneous doctrinal matters in order to please visitors from various religious faiths.

Donnie

And then sometimes a prayer, though spontaneous, may be laced with political overtones and doctrinal error to satisfy the egos of certain special interest groups within the congregation. A case in point is the public prayer that a young woman at my former church offered following the performance of a musical number in a worship service. She was a member of the church's praise team, which had suffered criticism for its loud, boisterous, unsettling music, and she decided that a public "prayer" was the time to vent. Her petition, seemingly directed more to the congregation than to God, assured everyone present that, as long as you had love and a "heart for Jesus," then any kind of music was acceptable to God.

She parroted the worldly, pragmatic, purpose-driven fallacy that there is no "Christian" music, just Christian lyrics. Her prayer in itself further violated the biblical admonition for women to maintain silence in worship, an admonition no longer tolerated in today's "progressive" churches.

Donnie,

you have crossed the line regarding prayer in public. What about all of the "old timers" that recite the scripted things that we all recognize? Are you going to criticize them to? "Separate and Apart" and all that hogwash?

You are just bent on criticizing and that is all that you do!

Give it a rest for goodness sake!

JD

JD,

I didn’t say much about prayer in public. In fact, I mentioned “tolerance” because public prayer involves not only the person doing the praying but also others, and it’s a difficult task to do so when it’s about “us/we” instead of just “me/I.” What I am concerned about, however, is when erroneous doctrinal matters are purposely stated in the prayer in order to please the listeners. Of course, from what I gather from you, doctrinal errors do not matter to you.

What about “separate and apart”? Hogwash? [You said that, not I.] For one thing, I would hardly equate that with the repetitive “Hail, Mary, full of grace! … Mother of God.”

Donnie

JD, please re-read Donnie's remarks. He was very kind and considerate in his remarks of those who may be uncomfortable or the elderly who pray in public. I see no criticism in his remarks.

Even in the Spiritual dimension Lucifer TOOK CAPTIVE the fallen angels: when SHE and/or HE came into the garden it was as the MUSICAL ENCHANTER. The FIRST and all following FALLS were caused by Satan taking people captive and the SPIRIT which indwells is not HOLY: The Judas bag was for "carrying the mouthpieces of wind instruments." He WOULD NOT--as Satan Planned-triumph over Jesus which means "musically." That was left to the musical Levites who were AGENTS OF the city and state--called Sodom by John.

That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David; Am 6:5

That drink wine in bowls, and ANOINT THEMSELVES with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction (crush, quench, interpretation) of Joseph. Am 6:6

Therefore now shall they go CAPTIVE with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched (Extends their hands) themselves shall be removed. Am.6:7

The banquet is the:

Mirzach (h4797) meer-zakh'; from an unused root mean. to scream; a cry, i. e. (of joy), a revel: - banquet.

Of the Baal Cycle practiced by Israel and condemned by Amos and Isaiah:

Smith believes lines 7-8 should be interpreted "Either literally, as `El walking through the underworld,


or an allusion to `El being "dead drunk," or both metaphorical, and ironic, as the marzeah serves as the setting

for feasts for the dead and for the living mourning the dead (p. 145).

In this case, it is SELF MOURNING: SHE IS DEAD WHILE STILL LIVING.

TAKEN CAPTIVE is to strip or go nude: remember that those who musically worshipped the Egyptian triad at Mount Sinai THOUGHT that they were superior: God said that they were making themselves a LAUGHINGSTOCK to the outsiders. I am sure that the new captives ATTEND to watch the show. Because sexual perversion is the ONLY meaning of musical worship I would not be surprised--as a repeat of the Abomination of Desolation--to see not only HANDS but spectacular events.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem [SODOM] compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh Rev 21:20

The Jews or Kenites (Cainites) who would musically mock Jesus "encircled Jesus" accusing HIM of causing their DOUBT (Jn 10:24). In prophecy the BULLS encompass Jesus. (Re 20:9). In part that was because they tried to worship the MESSENGER as the SPIRIT:

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:10

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Lu.21:24

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Luke 21:25

The WANDERING STARS in Jude are the fallen angels who brought music with them to seduce people away from the WORD. Now, with "the doctor of the law" not being a laughingstock, he is ANOINTED deliberately so that you will hear HIM repudiate Jesus. The STAR or "astral deities" were ALWAYS personified in human AGENTS. The word STAR always meant a worshipful PERFORMER.

Perplexity is APORIA which makes people question and doubt: to have no way out, i.e. be at a loss mentally. According to ALL of the accounts--Cain, Lamech and Jubal who "handled instruments without authority," points to JUBILEE and make it an ABSOLUTE LAW: that when you are seduced by SATAN and his/her music YOU HAVE FALLEN AND YOU CANNOT GET UP. The organ, also had a double meaning even back then. To make the sounds into the microphone.....well.

What you are seeing is the radical screaming and moans down through the "worm holes" of time and space of those who KNOW that they have driven the nails but THERE IS NO REMEDY. They KNOW that they only have a short time left.

The SPECTACLE OF WORSHIP promoted by the Grace- Centered group fulfills the prophecy of God pouring out His wrath to use AEIDOING to AEIRO or LIFT PEOPLE UP TO CUT THEIR THROATS which is the meaning of HERESY. The loud echo-chamber singers are SOUNDING BRASS or a hi-tek witches' FAMILIAR SPIRIT or OLD wineskin they claim is NEW because it just ECHOS witchcraft or Satanism. The LOCUST is John's code word to define Abaddon's PRAISE TEAM.

Those who LEAD CAPTIVE are fueled by the ZOE movement which boasts about LOOKING TO THE HILLS which means to "worship the mountain gods" who are the PIPES or HORNS of Pan the perverted GOAT - MAN person. Sad songs are GOAT SONGS or tragedies. The emotional massaging is to take you captive--alive so they can cut your throat spiritually:

Zogreo (g2221) dzogue-reh'-o; from the same as 2226 and 64; to take alive (make a prisoner of war), i.e. (fig.) to capture or ensnare: - take captive, catch.

The very elders "More apt to teach than howl at the moon and chase coons" have been USURPED so that the ESCAPE path back to the WORD in the Book of Enoch and other accounts has been hidden or MADE STRAIT by the mobs milling madness:

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the TRUTH; 2 Tim 2:25

THE BATTLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN BETWEEN SATAN'S MUSIC AND GOD'S WORD. Lucifer or Zoe is the "sister" of the Logos but the "mother" of the "jehovah" so she CLAIMS to be the mother of God. The FALL into music is a SNARE or STONE which when tripped smashes and there is no redemption for smashed rats.

And that they may recover themselves out of the SNARE of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2Ti.2:26

Snare is Pagis: metaphor trap, snare, of WOMEN, Trojan horse, "they try to RAISE the WIND.' (WOW!), of women's ORNAMENTS, entice

Recover means to become sober, recover their senses. Satan always knew that using charismatic music you could cause people (usually women) to PROPHESY and say Lord, Lord. MADNESS was trafficked by Satan as spiritual because it aroused your SEXUAL PLEASURE CENTERS. I would suggest that even anointing may be hidden foreplay.

Zoe (g2222) dzo-ay'; from 2198; life (lit. or fig.): - life (- time). Comp. 5590.

g5590 is the animal sentient principle only Spirit (as in the spirit God regenerates only at baptism) which is the "rational and immortal soul." Spirit is NOT another person.

THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Tim 3:1

Perilous means that Satan tries to WEAR OUT THE SAINTS: nothing is more wearing that the complex harmony of the TEAM put into the ELECTRONIC SOUNDING BRASS which is a FAMILIAR SPIRIT.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, unthankful, unholy, 2 Tim 3:2

Lovers of SELF or Autos speaks of a BAFFLING WIND driving

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce [savage], despisers of those that are good, 2 Tim 3:3

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures [voluptuous] more than lovers of God; 2 Tim 3:4

Having a form [APPEARANCE] of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tim 3:5

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2 Tim 3:6

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim 3:7

These are REPROBATE and have THEMSELVES been taken captive and THEY HAVE FALLEN AND CANNOT GET UP.

I am amazed at how closely it follows the SCRIPT where HERESY is also directly connected to THEATRON. When you spit at the God of the universe He has no qualms about making the leaders int BUFFOONS and JESTERS as the meaning of His wrath: an ORGY, if you will.

Ken

If I am sick I hope that you will pray FOR my health.

However, I am more and more convinced that six-pack tobacco-breath (I have smelled worse) PROGRAM PRAYER to "get him to come to church" CANNOT pray FOR me in the sense of DOING my praying or LEADING me in prayer.

I defy anyone to PRAY ALONG with the "Prayer Minister" as an ACT which we gotta get done. I have spent many engineering - consious years trying to THINK or give attention to two things at the same time. I have tried it IN CHURCH but then I was just RESEARCHING and neither praying nor following.

I think about a common thread among the WORSHIP LEADERS. They don't worship FOR you but "you watch me and do what I am doing and we will worship WITH MORE POWER." You know, that SECRET "praise team" demonstrating one of the oldest, most ignorant, most superstious URBAN LEGENDS recorded of "religion": that if you are LOUD enough or GOOD enough you can appease the gods. Huh! in many cases you can THREATEN the weak gods. When they accuse you of being LEGALISTIC or SECTARIAN just look at what they are doing and DON'T follow the Worship Pleaders.

"Leading prayer" has always been my SECTARIAN HYPOCRITE act of worship. I have always felt as if it is as arrogant as I can force myself. So? So, I quit it. I have noted that the REST Jesus died to give us is the Greek PAUO and seems dedicated to telling singers, musicians, dancers and speakers: "Just STOP IT."

Pardon my pornography but DOING worship for someone or LEADING them into "the presence of God" has overpowered my spirit as about like hiring out or volunteering to make love to a wife FOR her husband. You know, it's like the THRESHING OXEN (neighborhood combine) moving into the house to become SURROGATE "FATHER" or husband priest. And you know that ALL preasthoods or crafts are marked.

Yes, I know about "how can you say amen" and "lifting holy hands in prayer" but the Bible and history is against this as teaching a PRAYER LEADER. Rather, if people pray outloud they should not pray in Russian in an American assembly IF he decides to pray outloud. I like Hannah: she prayed but you couldn't hear it...and she did not call on a priestly prayer partner.

I have taken two looks at this:

http://www.piney.com/WorshipPrayer.html

http://www.piney.com/ChPublicPrayer.html

I like the authority Paul gave me to PRAY EVERYWHERE and CONTINUOUSLY. Why would I believe that I have to DO public prayer (which violates the direct command of Jesus)? Isn't this part of that massive COTTAGE INDUSTRY called religion but is not Synagogue of Christ?

Ken