[OrangeHoof]

I go to a non-denominational Bible church that is largely free of symbolic acts other than those taught in the new testament such as Communion, Baptism, etc.

A conscious decision was made to make our church less “scary” to non-believers so that we could reach them with the gospel. We are still very strong in our doctrine but the worship service is now about 60% music and 35% sermon.

In our lobby, we offer coffee, lemonade, water and donut holes. So it is not uncommon for adults to wander into the auditorium in casual clothes after the live musicians are already performing, clutching their coffee in one hand and their cell phone in the other and acting as if the worship service is no different than attending a movie.

I wish people showed more reverence that they are in a place of worship and that the purpose is to focus on their relationship with the Lord and not as a social gathering. The church is not the building. But the building should be revered as a place where respect for worship is shown.

[Mr Rogers]

The church isn’t where non-believers come to be converted. It is where Christians come to worship, and to prepare to go out into the world and share the Gospel. IMHO.

[CatherineofAragon]

"In our lobby, we offer coffee, lemonade, water and donut holes. So it is not uncommon for adults to wander into the auditorium in casual clothes after the live musicians are already performing, clutching their coffee in one hand and their cell phone in the other and acting as if the worship service is no different than attending a movie."

I completely agree with you. I voiced my disapproval of refreshments in church once, and boy, did I get flamed, LOL.

We should be willing to put our coffee and snacks on hold long enough to worship God.

[NYer]

I go to a non-denominational Bible church that is largely free of symbolic acts other than those taught in the new testament such as Communion, Baptism, etc.

There is a BIG difference between your place of worship and a Catholic Church. In a Catholic Church, you will find a >p>

Tabernacle

in which is kept the Eucharist. IOW, entering a Catholic Church, we are truly in the actual presence of our Lord.

Were anyone of us to be invited to dine at the White House (regardless of who is serving as president), or to dine at Buckingham Palace, we would dress appropriately. This article, in essence, poses the question of why Catholics, invited to dine with our Lord and Savior, would come to church dressed for the beach? Does God not deserve the attire one would don for a president or queen? If anything, He deserves even better.