You Can't Wear Those Shoes to Church

by bgs on 16/12/08 at 11:05 pm

Photo courtesy D Sharon Pruitt

Author and blogger Anne Jackson recently asked her readers the following question: If you could ask any question … about poverty, injustice, and how the church should respond … what would you ask? (read Anne’s post):

I commented on Anne’s blog with three questions — not particularly smart, poignant or profound questions, but they nag at me and, since this is my blog, let’s tackle Question One.

Why do some Christians care more about what others wear to church, what kind of music is played and other superficial things than poverty and injustice?

Maybe it’s my southern upbringing, but, for many people, church must be a dress-up affair. I’ve heard it said, “God deserves my best.” Of course He does. But … does He define best the same way we do?

I doubt it. Admittedly, I’m no Bible scholar, but based on what I know about Jesus, I don’t think He’d have been featured in GQ. My impression is that He dressed for comfort and practicality. I bet sometimes He worshipped His Father in dusty sandals.

As for music, there are lyres, harps, lutes, tambourines and cymbals mentioned in the Bible. This makes me think God likes variety, which just might be why He created us as unique beings in His image. Some of us are moved by traditional hymns, some like to rock and raise the roof and still others prefer a quiet, acoustic sound. It’s a matter of taste, the culture of the congregation and the community the church hopes to reach. Nothing more, nothing less. So why do we still fight about it?

It’s so easy to get distracted by surface issues; they are neater and cleaner to deal with than poverty, disease, war and injustice. Sometimes we translate not like us as not ok, but God calls us to look beyond these surface issues to the things that matter to Him, rather than cater to our own vanity, personal tastes and quest for status.

I like this post from Scott Hodge, lead pastor of The Orchard Community in Aurora, Illinois.

Sacred Reminder

The programs aren’t sacred.

The methods aren’t sacred.

The ministries aren’t sacred.

The service times aren’t sacred.

The communication style isn’t sacred.

The committees aren’t sacred.

The bylaws aren’t sacred.

The denomination isn’t sacred.

The style of music isn’t sacred.

The color of carpet isn’t sacred.

The font that’s used on in the bulletin isn’t sacred.

The only thing that’s sacred is the mission of Jesus.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded …

Photo credit: D

Buzz it!

bethgsanders.com