Through Actions

So, this morning opened my eyes to a major issue in the Church. As I was trying to enjoy a meal with my mother at a local diner, we quickly realized that there was a church group right behind us. With the loud obnoxious behavior, the constant calling out the fact they go are from this church, and people recognizing the Pastor that was sitting with them, it was quite obvious that they were a church group. I have no problem with church groups in public, it is actually amazing to see church fellowship outside of the church, but the issue is the actions the church group took while at the restaurant. The constantly loud laughing in a small diner, the disrespect shown to the wait staff, the disrespect shown to other paying customers, and the disrespect for people that they were gossiping about. So, now I have to ask to the Church as a whole, what happened?

I do want to make it clear that I try my best to hold myself up to the same standards as I do others. As a pastor, I am recognized in a community, and I need to make sure that I represent my church and my God as best as I possibly can.

So, what happened Church? Why is it that churches act this way in public? Why is it that this is now the stereotype for churches across the United States? Did you know that waiters and waitresses hate working Sundays due to the lack of tips? Did you know that people despise when we come together in a crowd, since we are destructive? I work with a Youth Group and I watch the sheer fear on the staff’s faces as we walk into their establishment. Why is it that the we have gone so far in the direction of being feared instead of loved by our community?

I look at that church group today, and think about what if I didn’t go to church? Would I want to go to a church where people gossip about others in the church? Would I want to go to a church where even the pastor joins in? What about one where the amount of disrespect shown to people who are serving you? I honestly am glad I am already a Christian, because if that was my only example of Christianity then I am going somewhere else.

We are held to a higher standard that anyone else. Christians are probably the most scrutinized group out there simply for the fact that the standard of morality of Christians is what the United States is based on. We are supposed to be the benchmark. If we can’t stand to be up to par, then why do we think that people will come to know the Gospel? The now most common way Christians try to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is through their actions? Are you showing it?