Too many churches have become entertainment halls where star speakers strut and swagger for their fans. For too many houses of worship, the platform has become a performance stage for musicians-and I mean that in the most ignoble sense. Even when they shout and sing the name of Jesus Christ, somehow the focus of attention is upon them and public praise stays with them.
In his book "Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives," Charles R. Swindoll critiques the modern church's focus on entertainment rather than genuine worship. He observes that many churches have transformed into venues where charismatic speakers and musicians dominate the stage, drawing attention to themselves rather than to Christ. This shift has, in his view, diminished the true essence of worship by prioritizing performance over heartfelt devotion.
Swindoll warns that the prevalent culture within these churches emphasizes personal acclaim and spectacle over the communal and spiritual aspects of faith. As a result, public recognition often shifts from the message of Jesus to the individuals delivering it, ultimately detracting from the intended purpose of worship, which should be to honor and glorify God above all else.
