He’s trying to foster a more enriching experience.
Theologian and author John Piper recently shared insights on how congregations can shift away from what he deems a “casual” and “coffee-sipping” church culture. In a recent installment of “Ask Pastor John” on the Desiring God website, Piper explored the significance of incorporating “reverence and awe” into the worship experience.
This discussion stems from Piper’s tweet last September, questioning the appropriateness of “Sunday coffee-sipping in the sanctuary.” The tweet stirred significant attention, accumulating thousands of likes and sparking a robust debate with approximately 1,500 comments, many expressing criticism. The latest “Ask Pastor John” episode aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the context behind the tweet, highlighting Piper’s goal of fostering a church atmosphere characterized by a “reverential vibe.”
Piper clarified that his concern extends beyond the act of sipping coffee during worship; it revolves around the absence of genuine “reverence and awe” in the hearts of people and leaders. He emphasized the importance of these concepts, referencing Hebrews 12:28, which urges worship with “reverence and awe.”
The core issue, according to Piper, lies in the disconnect between the known words—reverence and awe—and the lack of compelling existential content, devoid of the serious joy that should accompany people’s eagerness for reverence and awe.
As the chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis and a former pastor, Piper outlined a gradual path for pastors to lead their congregations away from a “casual, chipper, coffee-sipping, entertainment-oriented” culture towards a more deeply satisfying encounter with God. He underscored the pivotal role of capturing people’s attention with the Bible, encouraging pastors to handle the Scriptures in a way that reveals its inherent glories.
Additionally, Piper highlighted four more ways for pastors to guide their congregations: prioritizing the glory of God as the main reality, fostering an understanding of sin and God’s wrath, exalting Christ in various aspects, and teaching the miracle of personal conversion. Piper acknowledged that this approach might lead some to leave the church due to its challenging nature, but he asserted that others hungry for a profound connection with God would be drawn in.
In response to Piper’s tweet, various perspectives emerged, with Evangelical podcaster Jimmy Humphrey advocating for the acceptance and encouragement of sipping coffee in the sanctuary, drawing parallels to the communal gatherings of the New Testament church.