A Call to Reverence: The Lesson from the Men’s Conference Stunt
A recent event at a men’s conference, where for the beginning act a man engaged in a questionable stunt involving a sword, has sparked widespread discussion and concern among believers. This incident is more than just a moment of misguided judgment; it underscores a deeper, more pervasive issue within the modern church—the loss of the fear and reverence of God in a holy place. Do we really need gimmicks, entertainment, and stunts like this?
Pastor Todd Coconato addressed this in a recent post:
In my view, it’s not just about two pastors making amends. I’m glad that happened and that it needed to, but what about making amends with the Lord and repenting for what happened in a holy place? Let’s think about what has been happening in some churches recently… I mean, kicking Bibles like footballs? Putting whipped cream on a Bible as a sermon illustration? When does it all stop? What is our message to the world? To God Himself? How can people of God who love the Lord even sit through these things? What will it take for God’s people to act in a way that honors and reverences a holy God again in our houses of worship and lives? Friends, the hour is getting later, and the Bible is alive before our eyes. The church has a critical mission as the Body of Christ here on Earth. We must honor Him in all our ways. We are not perfect by any means, but we strive to be like Him and follow His word. We are accountable and teachable when we do something wrong. Sometimes we all need to course correct. But, He says to “Avoid even the appearance of evil.”We are called to make disciples of the nations. To be about His business. To get people saved, set free, healed, and delivered. The harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are few. I pray we get serious about our walk and have an urgency for the hour we are now in. Let’s be a repentant people. Let’s be a set apart people of God—in it but not of it—and shine our light brightly! We don’t need stunts and shows in our churches; we need a powerful move of the Holy Spirit!
-Pastor Todd Coconato
This article seeks to explore from a biblical perspective why the church must return to a foundational healthy fear of God and reverence for the Holy Spirit and all that is holy.
The Event and Its Implications
At the conference, a dramatic display intended to energize or entertain instead left many questioning the appropriateness and need of such acts in a spiritual setting. This spectacle, however, is a symptom of a broader trend where the sacred often gives way to the profane in an effort to fill seats or create viral moments. Recently a pastor kicked the bible like a football as part of a sermon illustration. At another church service, the pastor put whipped cream on a bible. Is any of this holy or pleasing to God? The church’s mission is not to entertain but to edify and foster a genuine and deeper relationship with the God of Heaven and Earth. These recent incidents have sparked a much-needed conversation in the greater Body of Christ: Do we need to entertain people with stunts and gimmicks? Or do we need to restore the foundations of our faith and get back on course in teaching and preaching the word of God and confronting sin?
Biblical Foundations of the Fear of God
The Bible is replete with verses that emphasize the importance of fearing God—a fear that is not about terror but a profound reverence and awe for His power, holiness, and justice. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This fear is foundational for wisdom because it positions God in His rightful place and ourselves in ours.
In Acts 5:1-11, the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit, serves as a stark reminder that God is not mocked, and His presence is not to be taken lightly. Their sudden deaths were a sobering demonstration of God’s holiness and the seriousness with which He regards sin within the church.
Returning to Reverence
The modern church must take heed of these scriptures and others to cultivate an environment where God’s holiness is revered. Churches need to evaluate how their practices either foster or diminish a reverential fear of God. Are we more concerned with numbers and social media likes or with the spiritual health of our congregation? Are our gatherings marked by a genuine sense of God’s majesty and a commitment to His Word?
Practical Steps Toward Reverence
- Preaching and Teaching: Church leaders must preach and teach about the holiness of God and the importance of fearing Him rightly. This teaching should permeate every aspect of church life, from worship services to Bible studies and beyond.
- Worship: Worship should be a time of deep reverence and awe. It’s not just about music or emotions; it’s about coming before the throne of God with a spirit of humility and adoration.
- Accountability: Leaders and members should hold one another accountable to a standard of behavior that honors God. This includes not just moral purity but also a true purity in how we portray God to the world.
- Discipleship: Mature believers should disciple newer Christians, emphasizing a biblical understanding of who God is and why He deserves our total reverence and obedience.
A Call to Action
The incident at the men’s conference is a wake-up call to all believers. It highlights the need for a recalibration of our approach to faith—to return to the foundations that center on a biblical, reverential fear of God.
As we move forward, let us seek to honor God in all that we do, ensuring that our actions reflect His holiness and our profound respect for His presence. Let us return to the foundational truths of our faith, recognizing that the fear of the Lord is not only the beginning of wisdom but also the path to a deeper, more fulfilling walk with Christ. The world is watching.
