11.27.2006
Recruiting
I had a conversation with a guy the other day who is in his early twenties. During the course of the conversation, he revealed that he thinks no one his age would want to attend a church where rank and position is so important. He said no one would want to go to a place where they feel so out of place because they may or may not have an important rank or the same clothes to wear.
I went to church on Sunday with my sister and brother in law and I wore jeans. I looked like everyone else and I was comfortable. The place was packed with a lot of other people my age. I knew no one in the room and yet I felt completely at ease and welcomed.
I've been thinking about that a little since...
I went to church on Sunday with my sister and brother in law and I wore jeans. I looked like everyone else and I was comfortable. The place was packed with a lot of other people my age. I knew no one in the room and yet I felt completely at ease and welcomed.
I've been thinking about that a little since...
posted by The Secret of Happiness @ 3:11 PM
14 Comments:
At 27.11.06,
Anonymous said…
which church did you go to with your sister?
At 27.11.06,
Anonymous said…
that sounds like fun! the no-rank part and the jeans part.
At 27.11.06,
The Secret of Happiness said…
I was at the Salvation Army in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
At 27.11.06,
Anonymous said…
I don't really see the need for uniforms in the meetings anymore...I understand the concept of uniformity for the band (and don't mind that...at another chuch I attended for 5 yrs, the band still dressed alike-it's a common practice)...but it's very intimidating to walk in and see a sea of navy polyester. kinda weird for a church. :-)
At 28.11.06,
Johnny said…
A few more retirements and polyester will be buried next to the bonnet.
In His dust,
Johnny
At 28.11.06,
Johnny said…
I agree with Christina about the uniformity of music ministers.
At 28.11.06,
Anonymous said…
Hi Kristy,
I couldn't help but notice that you said you were in Ontario. Are you still here? I'd love to see you!
Renee
At 28.11.06,
The Secret of Happiness said…
Renee, Des and I were there just for a couple of days to see my sister. Sorry we couldn't get together! I miss you!!! Will you be home for Christmas?
At 28.11.06,
The Secret of Happiness said…
Even the musicians were in plain clothes.
At 28.11.06,
Anonymous said…
Hi Kristy,
Too bad I missed you! I will be home from Dec 12th to Jan 1. Working for the first little while and then on vacation. If you're around we NEED to get together. I'm so excited!!
At 28.11.06,
Johnny said…
I think the musicians could be in a uniform of some kind (without this appearing strange.) I don't believe that it should be a requirement, but I do understand what Christina is saying in that there are many churches that place their musical groups in some kind of matching garb, which means it’s still considered normal for most people today. And, again, I don't think it should be required.
The part about the church members wearing matching clothes was probably a good idea and even needed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, but now in the 21st century, this seems to be so anti-cultural that it appears to be nothing more than novelty gone wild.
This will change, but it's going to require patience and retirements.
Grace, peace, and patience,
Johnny
At 28.11.06,
Anonymous said…
I think the fact that the band members are holding instruments will alleviate any confusion as to who's in the band and who's not. HAHAHAHAHA! I crack myself up.
That was not meant to be sarcastic..just hysterically funny, like me.
I think the uniform is probably not very welcoming...but not detrimental to the service....it's always been easily explained to anyone new that I've ever brought to church. Yes most new comers think it's wierd..but it doesn't make or break things for them.
I think the attitude behind ones uniform is the problem. When the importance of rank, proper shoes or whether your hair is off your collar has become more important than being kind or having a Christ-like attitude..that's when the uniform should be tossed out on the street. When I have felt unwelcomed in an Army service, it's usually because of the attitudes and actions of people...which is sometimes brought on by the superiorness of wearing a uniform.
It's sad really. What use to be a symbol of unity for the war against Salvation has become a symbol of who's in the club.
I'm thankful for people like you, Johnny, Staci, Christina and countless others who serve in the army but 'get it.'
Keep up the good work.
At 28.11.06,
The Secret of Happiness said…
Oh Kathy, you're hilarious. I miss you.
At 28.11.06,
Johnny said…
Kathy,
One day you will be on t.v.
Johnny
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