Man made traditions in evangelical church

Different denominations have their own traditions or practices that have been there for decades.  'We've always done it this way' says the traditionalist.  But do you find these practices in the early church or in the bible?

The two that have legitimate bible support are baptism and the Lord's Supper.  But there are many that we follow each week that have no biblical basis other than that we have been doing them for years. Many of these are not necessarily bad, but if they become a bone of contention in the church and causes divisions, reduce our focus on doing God's work or do not help us edify one another, then they are a snare.

Here are some:

• Spectator worship services - where the pastor or musicians are on one side (the front), the rest of the church are on the other side, passively 'worshipping'. Why should the worship be led by the musicians or pastor, like they are some paid entertainers?  The seating arrangement in most churches promotes this type of worship and actually reduces participation from the worshippers. Contrast this to a worship service in an African mud hut where everyone jumps in to worship.   

• The pastor ministering to the church each week by his preaching (or at very least, gives the impression that he is ministering to the flock).  Shouldn't the ministering be done by everyone and not left to the professional pastor? Why are the elders and deacons mere spectators instead of ministers?   Why is the pastor assumed to have the role of the preacher?  He may be a good pastor of people, but may be a terrible preacher.  I'm sure you know pastors that are better off not preaching at all.  Some pastors think it is their right to preach, but I don't see where that is taught in the bible. Let those who have been gifted by God do it.

• Order of service - why is the worship of God restricted by an order of service? Sing a few songs, make the announcement, have the communion, listen to the preaching, sing the closing hymn, go home.  If anyone deviates from the norm, he is quickly told to fall back in line.  Yes, I've heard the argument that God wants order. But order that is not backed up by a Spirit of worship is no better than a funeral service. We have lost all the spontaneous worship and simplicity for the sake of order.  Look at how David danced before the Lord - he was intoxicated with the spirit of worship. Order is good, but let's not grief the Holy Spirit by our man made formality.  With the modern worship programme each Sunday, how can a member who wants to share a testimony or a word from God do it? Does he have to make an appointment with the pastor for permission before he is allowed to be led by the Holy Spirit to share?

• Communion - why are the communion elements limited to a little cup and some bread or dry biscuits? The early church had a feast which they shared with one another - real food! (That should bring some people back to church ;-)   Why is communion in some denominations restricted to once a month or twice a year?  Didn't Jesus say to do it as often as we meet together?  But man say, lets protect it from abuse. 

• Offerings. Why are we collecting money in offering bags/plates every week right in the middle of the church service?  Let the people give their money some other time. Or do we not have faith that the people will give their hard earned cash if we don't push it in front of their faces? Where are the churches that depend of prayer to God for their supply instead of the obligatory offering plate? This practice seems to be aimed at making the attendee guilty if he/she doesn't put something in. And then someone has the cheek to say 'if you're a visitor, please let the plate pass'. So if you're not a visitor, we'll make you feel guilty if you don't cough up some of your cash :-0  After all we have a whole lot of expenses to pay - pastor's salary, air-condition, new carpets, musical instruments, etc.

• Songs chosen. Some churches only sing hymns, some only sing choruses.  Why do we restrict each other or criticise other churches who don't do what we do?  How many churches have been divided over this small matter.  Let everyone give God glory in whatever form they are led.