I went to this church over the 4th. I am from N. California which is the most unchurched demographic in the U.S..
Once you arrive you'll notice from the parking lot the techno pulsating from the entrance and the stacked lined of greeters awaiting you. I knew at that moment, I was in for something special. Then I entered the Ed Youn Grapevine Mall. It was strikingly intense and intriguing at the same time, like entering an amusement park. I gathered immediately this was EY's baby.
I asked a friend who attends Ed Young Church, what do you like about this church? She said, "Oh I like the energy and they talk about stuff I relate to."
To be honest it's a seeker church on steroids. Nothing shocks me about church anyone but this one had me on stimulus overload.
After the what-the-heck moment started to dissipate, I felt frustrated and sad. Yes, EY people... I must be a leagalist but no. Come on I'm from California, hello. While I didn't experience a reverence for Jesus you can quickly assertain this was out of focus on the Gospel, His word, although, I got a show about Jesus, I think? Even the bible translations used were bizaare, like maybe from a children's bible translation? Needless to say it was very unsettling and heartbreaking.
Once I arrived in the sanctuary I recall saying to myself, Lord what do you think? I mean this is about you Lord, right?
Sadly, this has almost nothing to do about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At the end they requested people pray the prayer of salvation. You know, if you say these words and believe. The tough part is that many people don't know what they are believing in or why. By EY standards maybe it's a Ferrari, a trip to Bermuda and an EY book. Say the words, keep living the same and more than anything... keep coming and tithing.
I don't write this maliciously because it's sad. I get consumer churches appeal to itching ears, entertainment and prosperity as defined by the world. Jesus is not doing a new thing, people are. It's not about legalism it's about man, this church is not about the Gospel. Why? Because that's boring but one thing the Gospel does do, it saves souls.
We need to pray for the preyed. The majority don't know it. Like my friend, she doesn't know it. She loves the entertainment and even stated, "I really don't agree with most of what he says but... ya know the kids like it." Man that EY is good. Pray he comes to see the truth. True, the Gospel message will not make you rich or have a mega church but He was made poor so that we may become rich in Him not anything else. Just Him. read more