We went to church today at Contemporary Christian Centre at Cardiff (near Newcastle). CCC was once an independent charismatic chuch, but lately have teamed up with AOG. Their Pastor is Ben Woods, son of the AOG NSW State Director Ian Woods, a regular speaker at Hillsong.

Some things struck me about the church- some good and some not so good.

• * The appearance of the church with the drum kit on a raised platform at the centre of the stage– the drummer is the most important person in the church!
  * It was pretty standard Hillsong/AOG setup– definitely a modern church as opposed to traditional or post-modern.
  * During January they are having beach parties after church instead of the traditional cup of coffee– they had a soaker hoes on the path to cool people off as they leave, sand on the grass, blow-up swimming pools etc
  * Friendly people who greeted us! We've been to several other churches, including one where several people knew us, but haven't been greeted by anyone. CCC has got a lot of friendly, warm people.
  * Good (even memorable!) sermon from the pastor

Overall it was a good, though short service.

One thing that continues to concern me is the emphasis on "me" songs in many AOG and other pentecostal churches. The "I will stand for you" songs are alright in their place but when christians only sing that kind of song, it results in a warped theology. Most people effectively get their practical theology from the songs that go around in their head- so churches need to get the right balance of songs in their worship times.

We need to remember it's all about God, not just about me.

Blessings

Keith