"I'm tired of 'doing' church...."

     I'm tired of "doing" church.  It is apparent to anyone with an honest observation that the vast majority of churches today, both traditional and contemporary, have become nothing more than flesh  on parade.  Words like "awesome" and "exciting" have become buzz words that are regular adjectives describing church services. Flamboyant eye-catching "worship events" designed to elicit from the congregation,  depending on the mood of the preacher, either laughter and standing ovations or amazed oohs and ahs are now staples at  worship services. And, above all else, we must be sure people feel comfortable and unoffended, so worship leaders need to dress as ragged as a bouncer at a night club brawl, and ladies can forget Paul's admonition to women about dressing in modest apparel; and, for sure, men should not feel hesitation about their whiskey picture shirt or their favorite casino cap. After all, as we are so often admonished, "man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart." When I hear that phrase used to justify a church crowd that's dressed like glorified sand fleas, I ask myself, "Doesn't the Bible also say to avoid the very appearance of evil"?  Doesn't the Scriptures tell us to "be not conformed to this world?" Doesn't the Bible command us to be "peculiar" people? Say what you will, these verses, as well as host of others, either directly state or firmly imply, that God does care very much how we are dressed when we approach Him and daily represent Him. While I acknowledge that clothing should never be a test of fellowship or genuine hand of welcome to everyone, I still maintain that as we grow by the leadership of the Spirit, everything about us changes, including our dress.

     This is not simply an older generational concern. Today, in 2015, suits and ties with ladies appropriately also attired are expected by participants in wedding parties, funerals, courtroom proceedings, television sports commentators, etc. This is because the degree of  their respect for the activity in which they are participating  is visually conveyed by what they wear as much as by what they say. Casually-dressed large crowds with some religious activity do not necessarily indicate a successful church; otherwise the largest church in Tennessee is located in Knoxville during the fall at Neyland Stadium when over 100,000 are in attendance and start everything with heads bowed in prayer.

     On the other hand, some churches are rusted in tradition and frozen in procedures. Unlike the churches just mentioned, these churches exist at the other extreme. They are bastions of proper decorum. If it weren't so tragic it would be comical that these stilted congregations are so insistent on procedures that a member could be vacationing a thousand miles away from church on Sunday morning but know that at 11:06 they are singing the doxology back home and at 11:23 the pastor is beginning his sermon. 

     While I agree with the scriptural admonition that God expects things to be done decently and in order, the WAY we do worship should never replace WHOM we worship. That applies to the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of disorganized churches mentioned in my opening remarks and also the very formal almost funeral home-like churches of latter remarks.

     The great man of God, Peter Lord, challenged me one time when he asked, "How much of what you do at church, and how you do it, did you ask God if that's what He wanted for YOUR church. Did you and and your leadership get on your knees and ask Him what kind of music that He wanted? Did you ask Him what kind of organization did He want? What kind of preaching did He want? After all, if your church is not really YOUR church, but instead is HIS church, why didn't you ask Him about every detail of what your church does?" Dr Lord's words changed me forever.

     In summary, the churches I was privileged to serve each had significant numerical growth but I believe significant spiritual growth too because I followed Dr Lord's penetrating questions and started seeking God's will instead of emulating what other "successful" pastors were doing. John 22:32 became my guide for growth, both spiritual and numerical, because Jesus promised "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." For assurance, Jesus always keeps His promises, including this one. 

     Yes, I'm tired of doing church. Jesus does a much better job. And, if a church is really a New Testament church in worship, the congregation will actually meet Jesus. When a person meets Jesus, I doubt he will go dancing up shouting, "Awesome!" or formally stretch forth his hand to clasp the Savior's with a courtly "Glad to meet you."  Oh no, I believe that I and every other person who truly loves His appearing will, like John on the Isle of Patmos, fall at His feet as one dead. Friend, that won't be "doing" church, but it will be genuine worship!