What is the trend of the modern Church?
It seems to me that there is an emphasis on being different and upbeat. There seems to be an almost desperate need to present a harmless and electric Gospel to the young people. Often this is done with music that parallels music with lyrics and sounds not compatible with a calm heart and a mind set on the things of the Lord.
Innovation is good, even necessary. But being different for the sake of appealing societal weaknesses means nothing except compromise.
God has never needed a packaged message. He is able to get through the thickest walls and can reach the heart's deepest recesses. The most important element in a church is prayer that is based solidly on the Word of God. Although He can use anything He does not need gimmicks and He is not desperate for approval of those who always want to have the feeling of a religious experience.
He can speak to an available heart in the grandest cathedrals, or a mud hut. He can reveal Himself through a brilliant and educated speaker, or a simple servant who is available to be a vessel.
God is neither modern nor old-fashioned because He is eternal and does not need to jive with the times. There is nothing of Him that has outlived its usefulness.
At the same time, the old ways are not necessarily the best ways. They are just familiar.
The radical Church is a place where the Lord is in control. Where He is preferred over anything else. Where His Word is honored and where those who have gathered together agree with Him.
There must be an understanding that to serve the Lord is to die to self, as is so clearly taught in his Word. There must be lots of prayer, both private and public. There must be a missionary vision and support. Songs should have substaantive meaning.
There must be an emphasis on taking up the Cross and following Him.
What the church needs today is members out of whom flow "rivers of living water. . ."
Soldier of The Cross, be a Pillar in the House of the Lord and let His Life flow out of your death to self.