The issues we see in churches

Blain · Oct 17, 2013

So what do you think? when you go to church the tradition is to dress nicely comb your hair and grab your bible. and in some churches people look down on sexually immoral people or people who have certain issues with a persons way of life. Now I have to wonder when I go to church I see people dressing as nice as they can putting two hours in doing each others hair and looking perfect to go to church, why? As I recall we are to come to him as we are, now don't get me wrong I think it is okay to prep up for church. But the reason behind it is what I am confused about, we can say because it's God's house but how many of us know in our hearts that's the truth as to why we do it?

I see people do it because they want people to see them in nice clothes, perhaps fear of being looked down upon for wearing regular clothes or clothes not proper for church. If a homeless guy who stank came into church and sat down in the service how do you think most people would react? Not just to his appearance but the smell as well.
If a prostitute came into church in her outfit how do you think people would react or think about her? for all we know she could actually be curious about God or salvation, but do you think people would think this as she walks into church?

I see so much things of tradition in church and not near enough of Jesus.

chatter23 · Oct 17, 2013

Blain said:

So what do you think? when you go to church the tradition is to dress nicely comb your hair and grab your bible. and in some churches people look down on sexually immoral people or people who have certain issues with a persons way of life. Now I have to wonder when I go to church I see people dressing as nice as they can putting two hours in doing each others hair and looking perfect to go to church, why? As I recall we are to come to him as we are, now don't get me wrong I think it is okay to prep up for church. But the reason behind it is what I am confused about, we can say because it's God's house but how many of us know in our hearts that's the truth as to why we do it?

I see people do it because they want people to see them in nice clothes, perhaps fear of being looked down upon for wearing regular clothes or clothes not proper for church. If a homeless guy who stank came into church and sat down in the service how do you think most people would react? Not just to his appearance but the smell as well.
If a prostitute came into church in her outfit how do you think people would react or think about her? for all we know she could actually be curious about God or salvation, but do you think people would think this as she walks into church?

I see so much things of tradition in church and not near enough of Jesus.

one day I sat down in a church a woman sat down next to me and asked if I was saved? I thought that was none of her business so I asked are you? She couldn't get up fast enough from her seat.
I am not a church goer, the church is in my heart.

chatter23 · Oct 17, 2013

Blain said:

So what do you think? when you go to church the tradition is to dress nicely comb your hair and grab your bible. and in some churches people look down on sexually immoral people or people who have certain issues with a persons way of life. Now I have to wonder when I go to church I see people dressing as nice as they can putting two hours in doing each others hair and looking perfect to go to church, why? As I recall we are to come to him as we are, now don't get me wrong I think it is okay to prep up for church. But the reason behind it is what I am confused about, we can say because it's God's house but how many of us know in our hearts that's the truth as to why we do it?

I see people do it because they want people to see them in nice clothes, perhaps fear of being looked down upon for wearing regular clothes or clothes not proper for church. If a homeless guy who stank came into church and sat down in the service how do you think most people would react? Not just to his appearance but the smell as well.
If a prostitute came into church in her outfit how do you think people would react or think about her? for all we know she could actually be curious about God or salvation, but do you think people would think this as she walks into church?

I see so much things of tradition in church and not near enough of Jesus.

sorry, duplicate

just-me · Oct 17, 2013

Blain said:

I think it's ok for a person to look as nice, and smell as clean as they can. Where I think your coming from is that the church is falling away from identifying the hearts, and minds of others, by caring more about appearance than the other guys heart. If we draw attention to our appearance and reciprocate in kind, we fail to see ourselves as God see us because of the distraction.

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
[SUP]7 [/SUP]But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

breno785au · Oct 17, 2013

The OP is correct, there can be some discrimination in some churches. What's most important is that we as individuals should be the example that we want to see. If a homeless person walks in, greet them in love and same goes for a dressed up prostitute. Though I don't understand how people can sneer at such (ive seen it before) Ive learnt to stop trying to figure it out and be the example and hopefully it catches on lol though at times I think I could do a better job. Personally at my church we currently fellowship I haven't encountered such a thing as yet, praise God for that.

Simona25 · Oct 17, 2013

Crestin Total - cu cravata sau fara cravata !!!!! - YouTube

The way we dress when we go to church is a matter of education. I find it sad when some churches must put a sign on the door and ask people to dress appropriate because they`re entering the House of God...

zone · Oct 17, 2013

Blain said:

that's odd.
i see people sometimes wearing their best clothes, or trying to.
some of their clothes are threadbare. but clean....some are in jeans and runners.
some are in suits.

i don't really notice how long someone might have spent on their hair.
why would i even think about that?

i reckon i'm SUPER blessed to have our church. nobody is worried about anyone else's sin - they know they're going to be confronted by their own - when the Law comes out....

but then the comfort of the Gospel. AMEN.

mind you it took years of searching.

sorry you're experiencing what you are blain - don't give up.

p_rehbein · Oct 17, 2013

Blain said:

So what do you think? when you go to church the tradition is to dress nicely comb your hair and grab your bible. and in some churches people look down on sexually immoral people or people who have certain issues with a persons way of life. Now I have to wonder when I go to church I see people dressing as nice as they can putting two hours in doing each others hair and looking perfect to go to church, why? As I recall we are to come to him as we are, now don't get me wrong I think it is okay to prep up for church. But the reason behind it is what I am confused about, we can say because it's God's house but how many of us know in our hearts that's the truth as to why we do it?

I see people do it because they want people to see them in nice clothes, perhaps fear of being looked down upon for wearing regular clothes or clothes not proper for church. If a homeless guy who stank came into church and sat down in the service how do you think most people would react? Not just to his appearance but the smell as well.
If a prostitute came into church in her outfit how do you think people would react or think about her? for all we know she could actually be curious about God or salvation, but do you think people would think this as she walks into church?

I see so much things of tradition in church and not near enough of Jesus.

It is quite clear you have never visited my church..........oh boy, you surely have never...........

p_rehbein · Oct 17, 2013

chatter23 said:

Well, not really........just saying.......the Church is every blood bought, born again child of the King........so if the Church is in your heart...............that's gotta be one WHOPPER of a heart.............just saying

I can't help but smile when YET ANOTHER thread appears "dissing" congregational worship..........churches.......goodness, wonder if there are any Christian Forums on the Internet? OH, NO, WAIT! This IS a Christian Forum........

So, anyone but me wonder what happened to doing all things to "edify" the Church?

dunno, maybe it's just me...........

J-Kay · Oct 17, 2013

chatter23 said:

Seriously ? LOL ~ One time I was at Sea World. There were a couple of ladies
sitting behind me. I was just certain the Lord wanted me to tell one woman that
He loves her. Oh, my heart started pounding hard, I am saying, "Is this You Lord?"
I would do it, but I was not that far along in openly witnessing about Him. Well,
finally I took out a piece of paper and wrote to her " God wants me to tell you
He loves you." She looked at me and said, " I know, I am a Christian." Duh!!!
The odd things we have happen in our Christian walk. I believe God does give us
opportunities to witness, but would like to be sure it is Him. But you know what ?
What do we have to lose if we do mess up like I did ? We learn as we grow.
God bless you and I too, am currently letting my 'home' be my 'church, with one
member, my husband.' Oh, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen ~

J-Kay · Oct 17, 2013

Blane, I know exactly what you mean. This topic was brought up before,
but one can never say enough about this and you are so right.
I heard the story of a man who had been hired to Pastor a Church. No
one had met him yet. Services begin, people are being seated, when,
in the back walked a man dressed shabbily and no one welcomed him in.
The stayed away from him. The announcements were given, and the speaker
said, "Today we want to introduce our new Pastor to you." "Pastor, will
you come up please." At to the amazement of the congregation, this
shabbily dressed man walks down the aisle to the podium. He said, " I
wanted to see what type of Church I am going to Pastor."
Not sure if this is true, but great analogy, don't you think ?

About the dress. I think we should be clean and decent in our dress.
I know exactly how people who don't have the latest fashion to wear
to Church feel. They feel they don't fit in. So they stay away. Let
us open our hearts to those who don't have much in way of dress, be
it Church or any public place.

One time I wanted to go back to my Church I had been a member of
for over 20 years, and been away for like 10 or so. I was accustomed
to attending a smaller Church in my area, later. I wore slacks and nice
sweater. Well, that Sunday I chose to go back to former Church, as
I stated. Had to go to restroom. Here are 3 ladies dressed fit to kill.
One did not recognize me,so I kept quiet. But, they preened in the mirror.
Hair in place, jewelry was beautiful, clothes perfect. I never felt so out
of place as much as that day. Actually hurt because I put a lot into that
Church over those long years. I complained to my best friend and she said,
"you have to remember you were in larger Church, not a Country Church. "
Wow. Imagine that.
Seriously, I believe we must accept people where they are no matter how
they dress. Yes. Blane, I would gladly sit next to a person who is unkempt.
Now if they smelled really bad, I guess, it would depend on what the smell
is. It it is really rank, I don't think my tummy could take it. But, ... so
far I have not had to deal with that.

We also must remember , Church is for the sinner, not only the Christians.
Good topic ~

Katy-follower · Oct 17, 2013

Blain, you reminded me of this scripture, which speaks of favoritism...

James 2:1-13
My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

KJV15John11 · Oct 18, 2013

It was my understanding growing up that putting on your best church clothes had more to do with offering God your first fruits. It also applies to things like setting aside time for God, every day, making Hm the priority, not just giving what is left at the end of the day. By dressing in our best, we are saying that God is more important than anything else in our lives, and we give our best to Him. If we get dressed up to go out or impress someone, shouldn't God receive greater than that?

As for cleanliness, my understanding was it's the same as for someone who wore too much cologne or perfume. It becomes a distraction and prevents others from communing with God. There are so many things that can distract others during the service, but there are so many different churches out there that you should be able to find one that suits your worship style. Even though I don't always agree with the decisions of the leaders of the church, I try and respect others perspectives.

If, like you say, your church condemns a smelly person, a man wearing shabby clothes, or a prostitute in her work outfit, chances are, they won't be receiving Christ in that place. Not due to their appearance, but due to the lack of Christ-like love offered by the congregation. What keeps us from taking action in that situation, offering to take them somewhere where you can speak with them about God and share your testimony. If they have need of food, offer to feed their body as you feed their soul. If they have need of proper hygiene, offer your bathroom, the items they will need, and clean clothes. (From my stand point, I am not looking at hygiene as a way to fix something, but rather as an health issue) If they have the desire to stop working in a field that is cheapening their life, then do whatever you can to help them find a job that will uplift them and allow them to provide for themselves in an healthy way.

I agree that many of our churches today are lacking, but my judgement will not come as how I responded as a church, but rather how I responded as an individual. I go to church to commune with others who have similar desires and to gain knowledge of my Lord and Savior. What actually defines me as an individual is my walk with God, how I put my faith into action. Before I criticize others, I must ask what I can do first. Hopefully, by my example, God will touch their hearts to see how they can be a part of the solution rather than continuing the problem.

WordGaurdian · Oct 18, 2013

Sorry to disagree with you a tiny bit. But the church ain't God's house.

Jesus said we are the temple of God. And we HOUSE the HOLY SPIRIT. And since we do not just house the Holy Spirit on church meetings, we should dress appropriately concerning this at all times.

As for church gathering... it is good to enjoy fellowship with fellow believers but what do they have to do with how you dress?

breno785au · Oct 18, 2013

I've seen some services from churches in Ghana, those guy go dressed their best. then they start dancing hardcore, the mens shirts are no longer tucked in and their sweating like crazy; for them thats normal.

p_rehbein · Oct 18, 2013

J-Kay said:

Seriously ? LOL ~ One time I was at Sea World. There were a couple of ladies
sitting behind me. I was just certain the Lord wanted me to tell one woman that
He loves her. Oh, my heart started pounding hard, I am saying, "Is this You Lord?"
I would do it, but I was not that far along in openly witnessing about Him. Well,
finally I took out a piece of paper and wrote to her " God wants me to tell you
He loves you." She looked at me and said, " I know, I am a Christian." Duh!!!
The odd things we have happen in our Christian walk. I believe God does give us
opportunities to witness, but would like to be sure it is Him. But you know what ?
What do we have to lose if we do mess up like I did ? We learn as we grow.
God bless you and I too, am currently letting my 'home' be my 'church, with one
member, my husband.' Oh, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen ~

Sounds like God was helping you "practice" your "witnessing........." Started you off kinda easy with a Christian..........He rarely throws us into the "deep end" just to watch us "flounder."

p_rehbein · Oct 18, 2013

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone here who has a "negative" comment about churches/or a particular church ALSO INCLUDED some positive comment about churches/or a particular church?

WOULDN'T THAT BE EDIFYING?

Seems to me it would be..........uh, no, wait........

this thread isn't about EDIFYING the church is it?

hey...............my bad...........

Cobus · Oct 18, 2013

Blain did you know there is Scripture about this very fact.... Look here...
James 2... For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
Jas 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Jas 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

What an AWESOME God we serve, He truly has an answer for ALL questions.... I asked HIM Lord where is your PERFECT CHURCH.... And HE SHOWED ME!!!!

Where is the GATHERING OF THE SAINTS.... AND HE SHOWED ME!!!! Blain that is the Church worth going too.

In this church a brother might see you sin, and he would see it is not a sin unto death, and he will pray for you from HIS PURE HEART AND CONSCIENCE, and HE (GOD) will GIVE HIM LIFE.... Now here is YOUR challenge.... Show me the life God gives this man? Show me how GODLY this life is that God gives this sinner that HE GIVES LIFE TOO... If you cannot ask I will show the Scripture,,, Nt only you my friend ANY peron here... SHOW US THE SSCRIPTURE OF THE LIFE GOD WILL GIVE THIS SINNER WHO'S BROTHER PRAYED FOR HIM....

zone · Oct 18, 2013

p_rehbein said:

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone here who has a "negative" comment about churches/or a particular church ALSO INCLUDED some positive comment about churches/or a particular church?

WOULDN'T THAT BE EDIFYING?

View attachment 60355

Seems to me it would be..........uh, no, wait........

View attachment 60356

this thread isn't about EDIFYING the church is it?

hey...............my bad...........

LOL!!!

gb9 · Oct 18, 2013

down here in the south, where in many cases going to Church is a culture thing, the small country Churches have the best dressed people and tend to look down on " underdressed". the bigger Churches tend to be more casual.

The issues we see in churches

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