Gilley points to three forces that are influencing the church. They are entertainment, market-driven philosophies and psychology. These three trends are derived directly from a secular world-view and absent from the Bible. It appears that rather than the church influencing the world, the world has, indeed, influenced the church.
After introducing the reader to these three forces, Gilley examines the church that embraces these ideas. This type of church is one that has the wrong foundation, presents the wrong message, and is focused on the wrong need. Rather than this church being built upon the solid Word of God, it is built upon the “felt needs” of those within the community. Rather than it presenting the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is offensive and convicting, it presents a watered-down version that makes one feel comfortable. Rather than focusing on the real need of fallen man: Salvation through Christ alone, the modern church focuses on whatever the “customer” perceives his or her need is at that moment to experience fulfillment.
Along with these misguided notions, the modern church also misunderstands worship, both in terms of preaching and in terms of singing. Inherent in this new-paradigm church is an adherence to insufficiency of Scripture. No longer are sermons built around the Word of God, but rather around the “need of the customer” with a few Bible verses sprinkled in for good measure.
Gilley’s chapter on singing is perhaps one of the most helpful ones available about an emotionally charged subject. He walks the fine line of not condemning one or the other, while at the same time making the necessary critiques of both contemporary and traditional styles. His point is that music should teach. Music should cause the Word of Christ to dwell in us richly. It should cause us to be intellectually stimulated to ponder the wonders of a vastly infinite God.
The epitome of this modern church, which Gilley has described, is the pastor of one of the most successfully marketed, purpose-driven churches, Rick Warren. Gilley examines Warren’s message which is gospel-less and therefore deceptive and dangerous.
Gilley articulates the problems associated with the market-driven approach to church growth, the seduction of psychology and the mind-numbing of entertainment. He is hard hitting, but fair in his examination. This book is one that should be read by both church leaders and laypersons alike. We need to wake up to what’s being prostituted as the Word of God…..wide is the road that leads to destruction. I concur with Gilley’s assessment, “I believe in most churches today that the sheep are starving to death but do not know it because they are stuffed full of spiritual goat feed”(p.90). Read 'em & Reap!
See other reviews of this book at The Discerning Reader.
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Brad, you wrote, "I concur with Gilley’s assessment, “I believe in most churches today that the sheep are starving to death but do not know it because they are stuffed full of spiritual goat feed”.
My response: It's sad that you chosen to concur with a popular author and not God Himself. Anyone spiritually starving is NOT one of God's sheep. Romans 10:3 says that the Jews ignorant of the righteousness of God were LOST. They were "starving" without the knowledge that Christ had perfectly obeyed the Eternal Law. They were not sheep.
James talks about doubters who tossed about being double-minded. They are "starving" for assurance of salvation. They, too, can expect NOTHING from God -- "do not let that man suppose that he will receive anything" -- because they do not have the WITNESS in themselves (1 Jn 5).
John said that God "has given to us [believers] an UNDERSTANDING" and said that those who are saved "abide in the DOCTRINE". Christ said eternal life is to "KNOW" God, and the "TRUTH shall set you free." Thus, any so-called "Christians" who are starving of the knowledge of the GOSPEL are LOST. In this gospel, the perfect righteousness of Christ is revealed, which is imputed to all believers, without any thoughts or love being the reason for their justification. This is the most important message in the world -- that Christ laid down His life for His sheep to pay the penalty for their sins and EARNED a COMPLETE righteousness for them. "It" -- the work for salvation -- "is finished", He said. In fact, God shows NO favor on men OUTSIDE Christ's perfect righteousness and sacrifice. "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". In other words, God is ONLY pleased with Himself, and any love or mercy towards a man is solely because of the covenant between the Father and the Son to save that man.
This is the gospel.
Do you believe it Brad?
Posted by: Andrew C. Bain at October 19, 2005 10:40 PM
So, it appears that you believe once a person is saved, there is no longer any reason for them to study the Scriptures, submit themselves to teaching and preaching of Godly men or seek to know God further. Your Scripture quotes are correct in terms of the believer's position as a child of God. However, that is not what the issue is. Sanctification is a lifelong process in which believer's grow in maturity, grace, knowledge of God, etc...
I'll stand by my comments. Thanks for yours.
Grace,
Brad
Posted by: brad at October 20, 2005 06:38 AM
This Little Church went to Market – Gary Gilley 
