One of the amazing things about the body of Christ is the diversity found within the races, nations, and perspectives of theology. Within our nation, in particular, there is a vast array of representation in just about every different possible thought process imaginable when it comes to the broad banner of Christianity. Of course, there are many cults and sects that are not truly a part of the Body of Christ (ex. Mormons, Jehovah Witness etc) but that is a whole different subject than today.

One of the diversities that I feel needs some clarity is that of our geographical differences that are seen by some to create great divides of theology as pertains to evangelism and the role of holiness. There is no doubt that different regions of our country and even areas within those regions have need of specific and creative evangelistic tactics in order to reach those in that area. Paul took on the intellectual spirit of Athens in Acts 17 by coming before their committee of new ideas and proclaiming the Gospel with several references to writers and poets of that day. Let’s look briefly at the differences that qualify as being within the bounds of pursuing true holiness as well as the things that should remain the same no matter what region or place a minister should find themselves called.

In the “Bible Belt” there is a heavy spirit of religion. Everyone pretty much calls themselves saved and is either a part of a church or has relatives belonging to some place of worship. This makes for the unique challenge of getting people “lost” before they can truly be found by the love of God. In areas north of the Mason Dixon line, with large populations in particular, there is more of a godless spirit that defies the things of God and many times sadly denies His very existence. This sort of challenge must be met with a super simplistic form of communicating the Gospel and will many times be better received in an environment outside the traditional church walls. This is one example of many cultural and geographical differences that majorly effect the style and ministry thrust of those called to that area. All of us should be open to the operation of the Holy Spirit through others in a different fashion than we are accustomed to and sometimes even uncomfortable with for the sake of the lives being changed by differing styles of Gospel preached.

An illustration of this could be drawn by the variety of personal style that are expressed. Some dress trendy, others traditional, while others have no sense of style whatsoever and couldn’t care less. None of this is as important as the fact that each person dresses appropriately and modestly. It is not my job to tell people HOW to dress but WHY they should dress modestly and how to accomplish that with basic instruction. This example holds true with our topic today. The style of evangelism is not important at all in comparison with the fact that it be evangelism that lifts up Jesus and doesn’t compromise the message of the Gospel. When people throw out blanket statements to nullify the warning of holiness or wisdom of moderation by saying “that is just Bible belt theology” it is like a young woman in inappropriate attire telling an admonishing leader that they don’t get her style and because they are dressed appropriately they are not qualified to “judge” her. This is ridiculous! The call of holiness in example and lifestyle is the same any where in the world. What is holy in the “Bible Belt” is and should be considered holy in other regions of the nation (or world for that matter). Decency, moderation, integrity, example, and pure godliness without guile is a standard set by the Lord Jesus Christ and modeled throughout the Word of God. Paul said in 1 Cor. 12:4-6 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

Bottom line, we as leaders and believers must find the place of common ground in our pursuit of souls and the holiness we have all been called to in Christ. It is very easy to slip over into the 2 ditches lining the Highway of Holiness. We must look out for the ditch of legalism that would bind everyone to religious rules and traditions that have not be birthed out of passion for Christ and obedience to His Word. We also must be careful that we don’t overemphasize grace and being “relatable” as justification to push the envelope of personal sanctification. These are timeless issues that have been apart of the Church’s long-term struggle for discovery of God’s true heart and we must negotiate them with as much love and understanding as the Spirit would give.

1 Cor. 11:18 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized!

Who knew that what started as a small musical genre with cheesy beats and rhymes that sounded preschool would ever become the global phenom that we now refer to as hip hop? This once scoffed at form of communication has now become the voice and look for a generation that is angry and violent. Don’t get me wrong, the deep sense of rhythm in me is tickled to no end with now masterful combinations of music and beat, but this sound has a dark side that is not really hidden to anyone and yet is openly accepted by everyone. Yea, there were some grandma’s and such that objected to the violent, profane, and unspeakable perversion that were blatantly attached with hip hop from its earliest days, but those voices were drowned out quickly with the applause of the secular world for the ability to communicate things previously unsaid and unspoken to a generation ready for something new. The days of pink hair and tight pants had come to an end and there was an underlying tone of anger that needed to be expressed. This powerful force of deep down madness led us to the place of today where rap is king and rock is a distant afterthought.
The relevance of these observations is to lay a foundation for what is prophetically on my heart today. My spirit began to be grieved when I saw this hip hop culture began to invade the last asylum of purity and sanctity within the precious Church of Jesus Christ. I remember of hearing in shock of a West Coast youth ministry that was blasting out the filth of one DMX before and after the service. As much as this shocked me at first, things would slide far further down the slope of hip hop’s slippery slope to degradation with youth services themed after rap’s latest anthem and dances emulated within the bounds of youth ministry that were birthed in perverse innuendo. The final phase of this wicked force in our midst has come with the modern day examples of leadership to this generation deciding to pull up a pants leg, put on a “wife beater”, and wear a hat sideways as if to emulate the whole “gangster” look. Since when did terms like “hustler” (which is used to describe pimps or dealers on the street) become something acceptable and even cool in the ranks of the youth ministry elite? Since when did satanic cults led by rap moguls such as JZ become material to be played and promoted to a young generation desperately needing to defeat the lure of the world? Here’s the point:
Would Jesus be impressed with our modern day creativity if He showed up to a service where shades of hip hop were everywhere and themes from its latest songs had become the very focus of the meeting? Would our Savior who died on the Cross bless our attempts to be “relative” because the things that have marked His church for 2000 years such as anointing, holiness, and peculiarity are no longer effective? Would we be able to explain to the Apostle Paul or Peter why we have green lighted a young generation of would-be believers to listen and participate in the latest of secular offerings? Yea, we can say we changed the words but we’ve in effect endorsed it. Yea, it was all meant in fun and yet we have drawn attention to some of the most foul and profane ramblings to ever be put to song and beat. This all has to stop!
Call me “old school,” but I don’t buy that we need one ounce of hip hop culture in our youth ministries. I know our example as leaders is more precious than to kid ourselves into thinking we are actually “gangster” because we throw around a little lingo and portray our image to be just like the world with a little God mixed in every now and then. I believe according to the Scriptures that we have an obligation to “flee even the appearance of evil” and do all within our power and more to lead a life led by the Spirit that disdains anything the enemy would use to blatantly promote his agenda of rage, riot, and rape. I know this is a strong word but it is something that must be said before more young people are led astray and shipwrecked in their faith. Yes, you may be able to handle it all as a big joke, but what about the weak consciences and tender curiosity of those that look up to you? What about those who see your tweet meant for a select few that goes out to tens of thousands watching students? We MUST see the big picture here!
I leave you with a simple Scripture that says it all to me from the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 11:1 “And you should imitate me as I imitate Christ.” Pray on this and I believe you will come to the same place of indignation toward a sneaky enemy who hates the Church and the young generation that is its future.