I'm not writing this in response to anything at all in particular today - it's just on my mind, so here goes.
Our church has adopted a 'come-as-you-are-but-don't-stay-that-way' approach to ministry. That means people come with various life messes because we're not a spa or a gym or a rehabilitation clinic or a therapy room or even an outpatient ward. We're a flat-out hospital.
Yes. Filled with sick people who need help and who want to get better. And because people rarely come to any of those places dressed-to-the-nines, we've also adopted a rather informal look wherever possible.
That has bumped up against my own personal history growing up in church where it was a Sunday evolution of really fat ties and wide-legged pants followed by bow ties (they're coming back - stay tuned) then leisure suits in various fruity colors - three piece suits - narrow lapels and skinny ties --- but very dressy no matter the decade. It was fun. And it was just what we did then.
Informal has been the pattern of the past several years and is likely the forecast for the future. It is an encouragement for folks to make themselves at home. There may be a downside or two to that approach, but the benefits far outweigh.
For the past few years I have worn blue jeans to church probably 90% of the time. Of course I have had several people come up and say they really like it when I wear a suit. Thank you. But I have done it - not because it's cool or 'the thing to do' so much - but because the average American owns eight pairs of jeans, so they are at least a common denominator of fashion.
As D. Browning says: It communicates I'm not here to impress you, so you don't need to waste your effort trying to impress me. Just come-as-you-are.
That isn't a superficial statement. It's about a lack of pretense. It's about breaking down classes and hierarchies and rank and position and systems where all those things are perpetuated.
One church shouts: 'Put on your Sunday best. It's not a fashion show. It's just church.' Right.
That said, if you really like suits and fancy dresses and that's your 'thing,' suit up. Wear what works for you. Wear what you're comfortable in, as long as it's modest. The point is you don't have to wear something special for us and you don't have to wear something special for God. Come as you are.
So throw on your jeans and sweater and head on out this weekend to KFA (www.kenoshafirst.com) or wherever it is you do church. And if you don't do church (yet), give it a shot. We'll meet you here in our jeans and sweaters. It'll be great.
And be blessed.
Our church has adopted a 'come-as-you-are-but-don't-stay-that-way' approach to ministry. That means people come with various life messes because we're not a spa or a gym or a rehabilitation clinic or a therapy room or even an outpatient ward. We're a flat-out hospital.
Yes. Filled with sick people who need help and who want to get better. And because people rarely come to any of those places dressed-to-the-nines, we've also adopted a rather informal look wherever possible.
That has bumped up against my own personal history growing up in church where it was a Sunday evolution of really fat ties and wide-legged pants followed by bow ties (they're coming back - stay tuned) then leisure suits in various fruity colors - three piece suits - narrow lapels and skinny ties --- but very dressy no matter the decade. It was fun. And it was just what we did then.
Informal has been the pattern of the past several years and is likely the forecast for the future. It is an encouragement for folks to make themselves at home. There may be a downside or two to that approach, but the benefits far outweigh.
For the past few years I have worn blue jeans to church probably 90% of the time. Of course I have had several people come up and say they really like it when I wear a suit. Thank you. But I have done it - not because it's cool or 'the thing to do' so much - but because the average American owns eight pairs of jeans, so they are at least a common denominator of fashion.
As D. Browning says: It communicates I'm not here to impress you, so you don't need to waste your effort trying to impress me. Just come-as-you-are.That isn't a superficial statement. It's about a lack of pretense. It's about breaking down classes and hierarchies and rank and position and systems where all those things are perpetuated.
One church shouts: 'Put on your Sunday best. It's not a fashion show. It's just church.' Right.
That said, if you really like suits and fancy dresses and that's your 'thing,' suit up. Wear what works for you. Wear what you're comfortable in, as long as it's modest. The point is you don't have to wear something special for us and you don't have to wear something special for God. Come as you are.
So throw on your jeans and sweater and head on out this weekend to KFA (www.kenoshafirst.com) or wherever it is you do church. And if you don't do church (yet), give it a shot. We'll meet you here in our jeans and sweaters. It'll be great.
And be blessed.
12 comments:
I'm glad I don't have to head down to Goodwill and buy some "church" clothes just to feel at home. I will say, I don't esp care what you wear..either way...I just like the way you preach. Good stuff.
While Jeans are not for me,(in my day to day life or at church) I think most anything modest in and out of church is okay .. just don't wear something that could cause someone else to stumble on there christian walk..
I recall one sunday near the coat racks overhearing a mom of an adult daughter saying "what were you thinking wearing "that" to church your not here to pick up men. Cover yourself up" (her top was very, very low cut) As she handed her back her coat. So glad someone was watching out for our men of all ages...
I agree, Anon. I was at church one summer day and I looked around at the congregants, I saw a woman about 40ish, in a dress that was very revealing and very short. She was old enough to use better judgement. Dressing more casually is not an invitation to dress inappropriatly. All said, most everyone is perfectly fine.
"Our church has adopted a 'come-as-you-are-but-don't-stay-that-way' approach to ministry. That means people come with various life messes because we're not a spa or a gym or a rehabilitation clinic or a therapy room or even an outpatient ward. We're a flat-out hospital".
Not to cause a disagreement....seriously. What do you do with people who don't "stay that way"? What about people who give up the fight? Deep down, I know we are still welcome, but if we really don't give up our sins, does that mean we have no chance? What is your thought?
All we can do is pray for them. People who refuse to change all the while hear the truth of the Word week after week and yet hang on to their sins hoping Jesus will overlook the things He allowed HImself to be crucified for are in the hands of God. They are always welcome at KFA. There is little I can do for them except love them and pray. Jesus has to change them. That said, if we don't confess our sins and ask forgiveness, does it mean we have no chance? The truth of the Bible must reign supreme. I don't make the rules. The Bible is clear. Without forgiveness of sins, we are destined for eternal separation from God.
You can post this or not. I believe every word you say, because I know you are being truthful about the bible.
I have and am doing things that are contrary to the bible, but I do NOT deserve to go to hell for eternity. I just don't. The things I do are only detrimental to me. I'm not hurting anyone.
I can't be that perfect little person who does everything just so, and an evangelistic wonder, as well. Being a Christian and giving up yourself is hard. You are a pastor, so I don't think you understand what that means to an average person. There's this whole big world that is distracting. I think you live in a bubble with a small leak. This is real life out here. Sorry, this is way off topic...it's just that one of your paragraphs made me think about what you were saying. Anyway, I still don't believe that I deserve eternal damnation.
I remember when you were speaking on marriage relationships. You and Joelene dressed as if for a wedding...you in your tux and Joelene in a wedding dress. You two looked as if you could top a wedding cake. Beautiful couple you are. It was very fitting of the subject and one to remember.
I am sooooo glad the Lord gave me the son He did. I am very proud of his Christian walk, and what he has done since being in the ministry since 1981. God is so good, yes He is good ALL the time. Keep doing as the Lord leads you Kevin, and just remember your MOM loves you and what you do from the bottom of my heart.
This has absolutely nothing to do with church attire. It is something I hope to discuss. I know my question may make some people angry, but you are the one with many of the answers.
You know all of the near-death experiences...most of them see a white light and feel a sense of peace and love. So, how do you know that God doesn't save good people? Sometimes, I get angry with God. I just don't think that my kids and I deserve eternal damnation.
What is it that makes you so sure that God isn't more forgiving? How do you know that the bible is completely true? Also, how do you know that you are interpreting it accurately? We certainly don't pluck out our eye or cut off our hands if they cause us to sin.
I do believe that Jesus came to Earth and died and rose again...I do. I'm just having a hard time believing that he would just dispose of us to torment in hell.
You don't have to post this. It's your blog. I just can't understand how God can love us more than any human can, yet send us to the depths of hell for sins that don't deserve such a harsh sentence.
ANON:
Again - this is a very deep&wide set of questions you have asked. Entire books have been written on them. So my answers do not do the subject matter near the justice they deserve. But here goes:
Firstly, I don't think these kinds of questions make any Christ-follower angry. We know people are searching for answers and if we can help give them, we are glad to. Anger doesn't play into that at all.
It is a big concept to grasp but I know you can do it. We know God doesn't save good people because there is no one good apart from God. The Bible makes it clear there is 'no, not one' who is good. We may do some good deeds, say some good things, have some good motives, but all of it is as filthy rags compared to what Christ did for us on the cross. That is what must be received and accepted in order for our wrongs to be wiped away. It is not about how good you are; it is about how good Jesus is.
The idea that you and your kids (or me and my kids) do not deserve eternal damnation is exactly the opposite from what is true. We all DO deserve it. It is right for a guilty person - someone who has sinned - to be punished. God makes a way to take away that punishment by His Son dying on a cross for us -- to take the punishment for us. But we must receive that salvation - accept Him - believe in Him -- confess Him as Lord - and turn from all that and walk toward Christ.
How I know the Bible is completely true is too big a question to be answered in this space, but we believe in and trust in the entire Word of God. It explains to us the depth of Christ's forgiveness. He is not LOVE alone - He is also JUST and RIGHTEOUS and HOLY - and no sin can stand in His presence. You cannot have love without judgment. If there was no judgment, we would just all be like Barbies pulling the strings on our backs and saying, "I LOVE YOU" to God. It would mean nothing unless we were given the free choice to do it or not do it. If we choose not to, we make the decision about where we end up - heaven or hell.
The example you give about plucking out eyes or cutting off hands is not a literal example in the Bible. It is used as hyperbole and exaggeration to make a point. Nobody was putting out eyes in the Old Testament when they sinned. We must read the Bible with wisdom and Godly counsel.
Jesus doesn't dispose of us in hell - we make the choice ourselves.
It is a hard truth. BUt there is great hope. There is also the good truth that each of us have had opportunity after opportunity so that we are without excuse. Choose Him.
The very first thing I worry about is how in the world do I save my kids? I would rather burn in hell than for them to. They are my heart. They live so far away. I understand what you are saying, but it doesn't seem fair.
I know this sounds simplistic, but I could understand more if God sent us there in relation to our sins. Not for all eternity.
I understand that when we have free will that we can choose or not to die to Christ. Which sounds so drastic and difficult. There is a very big part of me that thinks if God is love, then shouldn't He draw us by joy, not fear of failing. When we look to our parents, we hope for love and acceptance. Discipline, yes, but killing us no.
And why do so very many people who have near-death experiences see the light and peace and even Jesus sometimes? Most all of them do. I have heard of a few that see hell. Maybe God wants their testimony of what lies ahead. I don't know an answer to that.
I don't know these answers, but I don't want my kids and I to burn in hell and I don't know how to stop it. They don't even go to church. I'm sorry to ask, but it's as if I want to change God and of course I can't. I like the kinder, gentler side of Jesus. I find it very difficult to see both sides...loving more that any human, but so very final in His punishment.
PK, can I ask something of you? My kids never go to church first off. Can you share a simplified version of a life with Jesus? I want to forward it to them. It may sow a seed. It is such a simple thing for you. Please?
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