Posted on 12/11/2017 1:50:26 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
A few months after becoming pastor of Parkway Baptist Church, a 21-year-old Armour D. Stephenson III, or “AD3” as he is affectionately known, sat down with his deacons — almost all men over 40 — and laid out plans for his own version of the great flood.
“The entire dynamic of our church was about to change,” AD3 recalls of the fateful 2006 meeting. His first decree: “Stop wearing suits on Sundays.”
The congregation’s response? An exodus. Membership dwindled from about 300 to a low of 85. “Any time you’re shifting culture, there’s going to be some casualties,” AD3 says.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
Right? You’re in The Lord’s house. Dress appropriately.
“Yes, “moovova””
I’m not the public face of a church...or a World Wide Wrestling star....or even a rap singer trying to get my life together.
I chose my “handle” for the same reason you chose “aMorePerfectUnion”...to remain anonymous....not to tout the greatness of a particular church.
I foresee more Millenials joining the Church of Scientology than any other. They’re so used to being followers of social media that sooner or later they’ll start looking for something more ‘meaningful’, but they won’t have to give up their oh-so deep sense of community.
“OK, but be back in 5 minutes.”
Union rules allow me 15 minutes. Do I need to get my union rep?
“My suit collection has diminished over the years as both work and church have moved to a more casual environment.”
When I attended seminary,we all had to wear suits every day to class. No facial hair.
It was funny to me that one of the seminary founders had a full beard - as Jesus did.
In my last year, they did away with the beard ban and I was the first to grow one.
Sometimes we put up barriers to our mission... and then sadly, we become attached to them at the expense of truth.
Our church has gone to 4 services of 1500 each due to his preaching through the Bible verse by verse. He does not hide from the truth and is not PC in the least.
“You’re in The Lord’s house. Dress appropriately.”
Obviously... and since pants weren’t invented until the 10th century, we must dress as Jesus dressed, in a dress-like garment.
Mostly millenials?
Said the Bishop, "I didn't complain much when you replaced the traditional choir with a Rock and Roll Band. We do need more young people at mass and you got them there."
"And I didn't complain when you got rid of the front pews and replaced them with comfortable seats."
"So, what's the problem?" asks the Priest.
"Your new drive-in confessional with the flashing neon sign which says 'toot and tell or go to hell' is inappropriate and has to go."
“I’m not the public face of a church...or a World Wide Wrestling star....or even a rap singer trying to get my life together.”
I don’t know moovova... since you’re choosing to be anonymous, you might be any or all of those things.
We’ll never know.
“So often people approach topics putting the focus on sin,” Kyle says. “For people to change their life, they need to see that God is good, not that God is a tyrant. We have to authentically care about people. I’m not worried about your sexuality right now. I’m not worried about what you did Saturday night. I’m worried about what do you know about Jesus and how can I tell you more about him. Not let me tell you why God is upset at you.”
” After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!” - Mark 1
Jesus didn’t come preaching, “I’m cool with you. Let me tell you more about My Dad...He’s cool with you too!”
“Repent and believe in the good news!”
the article sounded pretty good until we got to the part where the pastor doesn’t care about how his parishioners sin
we stopped reading there.
it is not a church.
it is a rock rave, and apparently a very happy popular one, yes, congratulations for that!! but it is not a church
Wouldn’t you think dressing in a respectful manner would be appropriate?
That would leave that determination to the dresser.
“I don’t know moovova... since you’re choosing to be anonymous, you might be any or all of those things.
We’ll never know.”
Hah! You got me there. Just like we’ll never know if you attended seminary or grew a beard.
The same site also has the emotional story of a 12 year old girl telling her congregation that she was gay.
If any of my children came to me at 12 and told me anything about being gay or heterosexual, I would KNOW there was an adult misleading them or seducing them.
If I was the parent I would start looking at her companions very closely to find the one who led her in this direction.
“You’re in The Lord’s house. Dress appropriately.”
I do. Including my jeans, untucked shirt and S&W 686 on my hip underneath the untucked shirt.
Just in case someone needs to meet Jesus in a hurry.
If you are asking my opinion, no. But of course my or your definition of "respectful" or "appropriate" are likely very different than other cultures - here or overseas.
A wheel gun. I can dig it.
So true. Call me The Beard.
+1
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