The times they are a changin’. It used to be fairly cut and dry. The church you attended was specific to your denomination, and that was it.

Whether Catholic, Baptist, Evangelical, etc., many of us got comfy in our little compartmentalized versions of faith, not noticing that change was on the horizon. 

Let’s start with “Pop Culture Church.” What’s a Pop Culture Church you ask?

We’ll take Hillsong Church, for example. Founded in Australia by Brian and Bobbie Houston in 1983, it has since spread to the throughout the world. They even have a location in New York City.  According to Robert Beckford, a theology professor at Canterbury University, “Hillsong provides (a) practical preaching, (b) dynamic worship, and (c) a cosmopolitan congregation.”

Basically, pop culture church consists of hip and trendy peeps that love Jesus but want a more stripped down version of church. No pomp, just testimony, sermon, and song. All the while chilling in your ripped jeans and Jordans.

Next, is my favorite! “Messy Church.”

The premise is “It’s ok to be a messy family.” With most families having this strange preconceived notion that all traditional church families are perfect, a Messy Church encourages the imperfect to join in an imperfect service.

Messy churches differ in many ways from traditional church.  Some of the key differences are service is not held on Sundays, but during the week and there is no real set schedule.

The official “Messy Church” website outlines what one can expect from a service.

“It typically includes a welcome, a long creative time to explore the biblical theme through getting messy; a short celebration time involving story, prayer, song, games and similar; and a sit-down meal together at tables. All elements are for, and should include, people of all ages, adults, and children.”

So there ya have it! New rules for the new school. No one is saying you have to be on board, but Jesus is absolutely working through people in many different ways. Offering something different for all.