We are sorry that the desire to change the service was not first discussed with all the membership before any action was taken. We believe the entire congregation should have been informed that the elders were considering a contemporary service, thereby giving everyone a voice in the matter prior to implementation. We believe church leaders should make it a point to understand the needs of all their congregants before proceeding with any action. 

How should you feel? Obviously, you feel disappointed. You have to ask yourself if your church is feeding you the spiritual food you are seeking. If it is not, you have an obligation as a Christian to investigate other churches to see what spiritual food their flocks are receiving and if it is in your best spiritual interest to become a member of one of those churches.

To help you in your quest, it is important to remember the three relationships a pastor or elder should have with his flock. The first relationship is one of shepherding. Just as the shepherd cares for his sheep, the elder should care for the spiritual lives of his flock (Acts 20:28). The second relationship is one of teaching. In order to be a good teacher, the leader must study the Bible and share his studies with his congregation. He must also know how to counter the acceptance of the lowering of biblical standards so prominent in the world today (2 Peter 3:17-18). The third relationship of the elder to his flock is one of example. His personal conduct and moral and ethical standards should be above reproach and his demeanor should reflect the joy he has in the Lord and the desire to do God’s will in all matters of his life. The elder should be a model for the flock to emulate (1 Corinthians 11:1). The elder’s example should provoke the desire in others to live a life dedicated to doing the Lord’s will. He should “set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1296: “Do Christians Have to Go to Church?”
Understanding what the Christian church is and what it is not
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #981: What Makes a Church a “Good Church”?
Important foundation stones of a true Christian church
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers: 
CQ Kids video: “Why do we go to church?”