"What do you think about WELS churches hosting CD releasing events (and, of course, charging admission)? Is there anything unscriptural about this practice?"
GJ - It is Scriptural. Jesus drove the money-changers from the Temple courtyard, made a whip of His belt, poured out the coins, and overturned tables. "You have turned the House of God into a den of thieves!"
KJV Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
People can serve in many ways, but Lutherans have always discouraged turning such service into money-making ventures. Thrivent paved the way, turning the worship bulletin into one more ad for a product. Maybe Koine should wear Thrivent shirts to thank the bosses in Appleton. The tentacles of Church and Change, where Jeske is the allegedly invisible boss, reach everywhere, into the LCMS as well.
Common Language, Common People, Extraordinary Message
Koiné's humble roots originate in the heartland of America, in a city known for its rich German history, its famous barley and hops, and many festivals - Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's here that five unique artists, each with their own talents and abilities, came together in 2003 to put a new twist on traditional, Lutheran music. Staring at each other, blankly, with their instruments in one hand and their hymnals in the other, Koiné set about reinventing the way we listen to hymns.
To date, Koiné has toured across 32 states since its inception, producing 4 studio albums and a repertoire of over 200 hymns and liturgical pieces. They sell their CD’s all over the world in places as far Germany, Australia and Hong Kong. This year alone, Koiné will play around 200 events at churches, community festivals, grade schools, high schools, and colleges. This is a full-time ministry for the members of the group, and is supported almost entirely by the generosity of people who come to their events.
The group consists of: Brian Davison - singer, Tracy Fedke - singer, Seth Bauer - piano, Seth Kock - drums, Benj Lawrenz - guitar, and Matt Scott - Bass.
Koiné is a Greek word that means “common.” Koiné Greek was the language that the New Testament was originally written in. It was a common language for the common man - everyone could understand it. The members of Koiné are common people too. They play common instruments and common hymns that many know and enjoy. The only extraordinary thing about Koiné and what they do is the message that they proclaim through the music they play. The same message of the Bible - Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
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rlschultz has left a new comment on your post "Jeske's In-House Band - Another Business Venture F...":
One of the many problems with generic Christianity in this country is the failure to draw boundaries around activities that are deemed to be churchy. Koine's performances during worship services is a good example of this. A Divine Service meant that at most times, the organ and other instruments were behind the worshipers. They were there, but not central to the Divine Service. The worshipers should see the altar and the cross. This is central to the message. Orchestra pits in the front and praise bands within view are a distraction.
Koine performed a benefit concert once for our son in an ALHS gymnasium. This is a more appropriate venue for them.
