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Rev. Earl Jackson
 
I want to start things out here on my new blog, by pointing out a couple of areas where our churches have been sidetracked from the centrality of Christ.
1).  Me centered sermons such as (10 steps to a better you; 15 ways to put your best self forward now; 7 days to your ideal sex life;  How to prosper in the economic recession).  How does this sort of stuff put Christ Central in the church?  He is not even mentioned.
2.  Me centered music such as (I will worship; Open the eyes of MY heart; I am Free; I will sing; My Savior My God (with emphasis on My);  I will Celebrate; Fail us not; Fill me up; There's a burning in me; I will Run; This is the air I breathe).  The tunes might be quite good, but the message quite empty of Christ.
3.  Me oriented Activities  Is the church comfortable?  Is the parking convenient?  Do the greeters smile? Is the sermon interesting enough?  Have we appealed to the younger generation?  Does the lighting set a mood?  Does the music create an atmosphere?  Are the services too long?  Is there enough for the children to do?  Does everybody have an absolutely enjoyable experience, so they will want to come back?  Is church supposed to be about the experience of enjoyment, or about a contact with the living Christ?

Maybe, you don't see these things as distractions from Christ, but to me they are.  Let me know if you can think of other worship distractions.