More on this 1.8 Million Dollar Pipe Organ

Earlier, I pointed out the article in the News and Observer where a downtown United Methodist Church (I won’t even give them the favor of a link) decided to spend 1.8 million dollars on a pipe organ.

Now, I want to point out a few things:

• In one sense, it is their business how they spend the money. After all, one would assume the leadership of the church prayed over this, sought heavenly guidance and ran the decision through the model set up by John Wesley (founder of Methodism) of Tradition, Scripture, Reason and Experience.
• In another, however, the church as a whole (not just this congregation) is hurt when nonbelievers and the world at large see how we spend our money.
• I read another great blogpost on the subject; I actually almost felt sorry for the church when she was through with them. Almost.
• Also worth reading (but for a different reason) are the comments left on that blogpost. It shows just how far the church has fallen from its mission. For example, this one:

I think that the organ will enhance the worship of God, which is the primary reason for believers to gather together.

You know, the Quakers worship God and use no music at all and feel no lack in their spirituality. John Wesley preached to coal miners in a field with no music, yet thousands gave their souls over and changed their life. Yes, David told us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord”, but I bet you any amount of money he was using a tambourine.

Too many church members feel that the church is a club, to which we belong and they do not. This is reflected in the amenities we choose for our clubhouses (churches), such as our gymnasiums, our light and sound systems and our anemic preaching.

Read the Gospel. The mission of the church is to change the world. Christ saves us to change the world for him. Wesley knew it; I wonder why the church he founded cannot see that.

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