There seems to be a lot of noise in church these days. I am not writing about high sound levels in worship or the din of endless chit chat. When I say there is noise in church today, I am writing about the acrostic N.O.I.S.E. which stands for No Other Interests Shall Exist.

As I work with churches I am finding that N.O.I.S.E. makers exist in almost every congregation. N.O.I.S.E. makers work quickly to undermine changes. They team up with anyone willing to listen to squelch out discussions that could eventually bring about change; unless, of course, the changes bring about something they enjoy or like. Bottom line there is a status quo they have worked for many years to establish and they will stop at nothing to protect it.

In extreme cases, N.O.I.S.E. makers will even allow themselves to be used as “bargaining chips” by making clear their intentions to leave the church should certain changes be implemented.

As sad as this has become, there is an even greater tragedy at work. “N.O.I.S.E. makers” often use God as leverage to win their case. They attach tag lines to their arguments like: “This new course of action is not honoring to God.” Or, “I’m sure God would not approve of this…”

While we have N.O.I.S.E. in our churches today, the challenge is nothing new. Actually It is historical phariseeism lived out in today’s culture. The Pharisees Jesus confronted would not tolerate Jesus’ teachings and “changes” to their status quo so they became N.O.I.S.E. makers and plotted to kill him.

Throughout history, the church has struggled to bring the timeless truth of Christ’s salvation to a constantly changing culture. It has struggled to make God honoring, appropriate changes. Furthermore, all the historical opposition has been touted under the banner of protecting God; as if God needs our protection.

St. Francis is quoted as saying, “The best way to protect the lion is to let the lion out of his cage.” Today, it is time for us to “protect” God by letting Him out of the religious cages in which we have placed Him. It is time to begin again the process of proclaiming the timeless truth of Christ’s Salvation in ways our un-churched culture can hear. In short: It’s time to turn down the N.O.I.S.E.