A North Carolina megachurch has ignited controversy by opting not to use traditional Christian terminology like “Calvary,” “resurrection,” or “blood of Jesus” in its promotion of Easter Sunday services.

Nikki Shearer, the digital content creator for Elevation Church, revealed this decision, emphasizing a desire to avoid alienating potential attendees. “I’m not going to say any of these words that makes someone feel like an outsider,” she stated. Elevation Church, under the leadership of Pastor Steven Furtick and boasting a membership of over 25,000 across the state, has drawn attention for its unconventional approach.

According to Shearer, the church aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for individuals who may not be familiar with Christian traditions. This stance has received both support and criticism within the evangelical community, with some defending it as a means of making Easter services more accessible, while others, like Pastor Michael Bowman of East Lumberton Baptist Church, condemning it as a departure from fundamental Christian teachings.

Critics have accused Elevation Church of diluting the significance of Easter and resorting to gimmicky marketing tactics to attract attendees. Skeptics question whether the church adequately conveys the central message of Easter, including the importance of Christ’s resurrection and the atoning power of his sacrifice.

As the debate rages on, questions linger about the true nature of Elevation Church’s Easter services and whether they effectively communicate the Gospel message to both believers and non-believers alike. Some argue that transparency and authenticity are essential, while others caution against sensationalism or trivialization of sacred doctrines.

Ultimately, the controversy underscores the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation within the Christian faith, as well as the challenges of modern religious outreach efforts.

Thanks to our friends at ToddStarnes.com for contributing to this article.