While sitting a few rows back and just settling into the worship band's opening songs, I noticed the cello player who customarily sits right up front, stage right.
He was there as usual and the rest of the band was in their normal places (drums, piano, keyboard, 2 guitars and electric bass). But I was struck by what he was wearing.
It's not that he was wearing a T-shirt because our church is very casual and somewhat non-traditional, so that was very par for the course. But it's what was on his T-shirt that struck me.
Yes, he was wearing an ACDC rock T-shirt! Up front, at church, playing cello!!
So, the whole thing just seemed ODD. Some questions running through my mind were: "Why would the worship leader let him wear that?" "Don't the church leaders know who ACDC is?" "Why would a cellist like ACDC anyway??"
But then I began to think another way...
You know, when all is said and done, it's a T-SHIRT. Perhaps the leadership cares more about other, more important things than just clothing.
Yes, one could make an argument that advertising something that purports to diametrically oppose one's own purposes is self defeating and unwise; but on the other hand, perhaps making a big to-do of judging an un-offensive T-shirt would be more self-defeating and unwise.
As I thought more about it, I realized that I liked belonging to a church that didn't make a big deal out of a T-shirt. Think of how many other people-- perhaps new to the church scene-- noticed that too and thought, "Wow, that's cool. Maybe I CAN be myself here."
After all, isn't that what the whole point of church/religion is supposed to be: reaching people where they are and being REAL? I think so.
I just hope I don't see a Slayer shirt anytime soon.
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We have an outdoor, church at the park, service each year. Two years ago I was sitting, listing to our service when I smelled someone smoking. And I smiled. Not cause he was slowing killing himself in front of my eyes but because we came to him, where his habit didn't keep him from hearing truth.
ReplyDeleteHello, Troy
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting, I must admit that with this one, I was tempted to comment straight away and then I came away from your post and gave it some thought before I opened my mouth.
I really like the challenge posed by your post and I also thank you for sharing your thoughts about it.
I grew up in a church(building) which was run like a club: you were only allowed if you had performed many rituals and even to enter the church (building) you had to ask permission to the priest if you were not of that profession. Which when I read the word of God for myself, I realise was so wrong, the church (building) is not only for the saved but a place where the un-saved is made to feel welcome to see the love of Christ, and become the Church (Bride of Christ). I think we are on the same line.
Then I got back to what you were seeing, the T-Shirt and I agree with you it is only a T-Shirt and yet the bible says that some of us are given a spirit of discernment, which I think was at work in you when you first noticed it, something was not right.
Having belonged to a worship team I know that we are front line and subject to attacks, ferocious ones at times. So we are called to be holy and pure even more so at times to be covered by an anointing, to have the privilege of taking a congregation into the Holy of Holies. Check the Old Book and David and his worshippers. I know we are under the New Covenant but at the same time, Jesus has applied everything from the Old Testament with obedience.
The other point of being in the worship team: we are also seen from every single member of the congregation, hence setting an example. When we first commit our lives to Christ we do not know a lot and the more we walk with Him, the better we get to know Him. I doubt for instance that Zacchaeus carried on swindling people after meeting Jesus…
I am not saying that I would chuck out anybody wearing anything coming through our doors, that is not what we do, but when we have a ministry, we are also accountable. This young man I think will be made accountable of his actions: maybe the easier place to be made accountable is to your pastor.
This comment is very long, but we are in the world but not of this world. We need to make a stand and ask God what is His will at all times.
The best T-Shirt I have ever seen: Jesus on the cross and the comment: Body-Pierced for you! Ask me why!
The second best T-Shirt I have ever seen worn by a worship warrior: I kick the devil’s arse!!
You do not have to post this after you have read it, just wanted to say trust your spirit of discernment! In Christ.
Hi Troy you might be pleased to hear that I have finally watched Julie and Julia and I have blogged about it. Hope you and your family are well. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteRaymonde- Do you actually get to see these replies to comments on here? Or is there a better way to do so?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I wanted to thank you for your previous comment & the thoughtfulness it provokes. I don't know the answer about the T-shirt guy; but you might find it interesting that he was NOT THERE the following Sunday! :O Hmmmm..... :)
I look forward to reading your Julie & Julia post!
TTFN
Tata for now: TTFN! That is so English!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I do see your reply, the easiest way I know is to actually subscribe till you see your answer through an email and then un-suscribe afterwards.