Uma Igreja com Propósitos: por que é tão problemático? | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

Summary

The transcript critiques Rick Warren's book 'The Purpose-Driven Church,' arguing that it promotes a marketing-driven approach to church that prioritizes pleasing potential churchgoers ('the unchurched') over preaching the full gospel. The video criticizes Warren's strategy of tailoring church services based on research into people's preferences, even if it contradicts traditional Christian teachings. It highlights concerns about watering down the message, avoiding topics like sin and repentance, and the dangers of churches becoming consumer-oriented. The narrator also draws comparisons to other churches following similar models and warns against a shift away from biblical truth in favor of popularity and convenience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rick Warren's book 'The Purpose Driven Church' is critiqued for focusing on marketing strategies to attract 'unchurched' individuals rather than prioritizing biblical truths and the gospel.
• 😀 The church's name, 'Saddleback,' was chosen based on a survey of 'unchurched' people to cater to their preferences rather than representing biblical beliefs.
• 😀 The book emphasizes appealing to people's desires for comfort and satisfaction, using market research to tailor church services to these preferences.
• 😀 Rick Warren's approach to evangelism is criticized for avoiding the core message of repentance and the eternal salvation found in the gospel.
• 😀 The book promotes a church model focused on attracting people through entertainment, rather than teaching about sin and the need for repentance.
• 😀 Warren's teachings recommend adapting the church environment (e.g., music, attire, and worship style) to please 'unchurched' individuals rather than honoring biblical principles.
• 😀 In interviews, Warren avoids taking strong stances on contentious issues like homosexuality, opting instead for an inclusive approach that embraces diversity.
• 😀 The focus on pleasing 'unchurched' individuals leads to watering down biblical teachings, potentially denying the truth of the gospel in favor of making the church more marketable.
• 😀 The critique argues that using marketing strategies to grow a church is insufficient for genuine conversion and spiritual growth, as it disregards the transformative power of the gospel.
• 😀 The church is not meant to be a business or a marketing strategy, but should be grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit, as genuine conversion cannot be achieved through worldly methods.

Q & A

What is the main criticism of Rick Warren's book 'The Purpose Driven Church'?

The main criticism is that Rick Warren treats the church like a business, using marketing strategies to attract 'spiritual customers' instead of focusing on biblical truths. The book emphasizes satisfying the desires of the unchurched rather than presenting the full gospel message.

Why did Rick Warren name his church 'Saddleback'?

Rick Warren named his church 'Saddleback' after the neighborhood in which it was located. He conducted a survey with unchurched individuals to understand their preferences, and chose a name that would appeal to their tastes rather than one rooted in traditional biblical or denominational meaning.

What is the problem with Rick Warren's approach to evangelism as mentioned in the script?

Rick Warren's approach to evangelism is criticized for focusing more on making the church appealing to the unchurched rather than presenting the full gospel, which includes repentance and the need for salvation. His method downplays the importance of addressing sin and repentance in favor of a more comfortable, consumer-friendly message.

How does Rick Warren suggest evangelizing to young people?

Rick Warren suggests that evangelizing to young people should avoid focusing on eternal life and salvation, as he believes they are not interested in these concepts. Instead, he proposes emphasizing aspects of salvation that seem more immediate, like security and the benefits of heaven.

What does Rick Warren's research with the unchurched reveal about their preferences?

Rick Warren's research shows that unchurched individuals do not like traditional church names or settings. Based on this, he suggests tailoring the church's atmosphere, music, and even clothing to appeal to their preferences, treating the church as a product designed to meet their spiritual needs.

What does the script say about Rick Warren's stance on homosexuality?

The script critiques Rick Warren for avoiding a direct stance on homosexuality when questioned, suggesting a more inclusive approach by emphasizing love and diversity instead of addressing the issue of sin according to biblical teachings.

How does Rick Warren approach the concept of church services?

Rick Warren's approach to church services is criticized for being too focused on pleasing the unchurched. He suggests using entertainment, such as lively music, and presenting a welcoming environment that prioritizes comfort and relaxation over the true purpose of worship, which is to glorify God.

What is the criticism of Rick Warren’s approach to the role of children during church services?

Rick Warren recommends having separate spaces for children during services to avoid disturbing the unchurched. This approach is criticized for prioritizing the preferences of visitors over the biblical model of families worshiping together in church.

How does the script view the idea of using marketing strategies for church growth?

The script criticizes using marketing strategies for church growth, asserting that while these methods might attract people, they cannot lead to true conversions. The script emphasizes that genuine conversion comes from the work of the Holy Spirit, not from consumer-oriented strategies.

What is the view on churches that attempt to cater to the 'seeker-sensitive' model?

The view in the script is that 'seeker-sensitive' churches, which cater to the preferences of non-believers to attract them, ultimately fail to produce deep spiritual growth. These churches may be successful in filling seats but are criticized for lacking biblical depth and for failing to truly address the need for repentance and salvation.