Request of Service.......

[Moose]

The Church Mrs. Moose and I attend have started to write letters to the members for volunteers in different areas of service. They've expressed particular interest in mine becoming an usher. Here's the problem I'm having with it though.

 

Ever since Mrs. Moose and I have met, I agreed to attend the Church she's been attending since her family moved out here when she was a little girl. I became a member nearly 20 years ago. I don't agree with all of what the messages, and regulations the Pastor and teachers put in front of me. I smoke, and I drink for instance. But that doesn't mean that I don't feel like this Church isn't my home. I really do feel at home home there.

 

I want to serve as an usher, but the letter specifically says that I have to have the following qualifications:

 

Personal Grooming & Lifestyle:

 

1. Clean shaven and /or beard well trimmed

I don't grow a beard or mustache, and I keep my hair shaved close.

 

2. Hair is well groomed.

See number one.

 

3. No gum please, mints are recommended.

I like my gum, but can live with mints.

 

4. Look clean and refreshed.

I'm locked into a routine that keeps me this way.

 

5. Clothes are clean and pressed:

a. Shirt must be tucked in.

b. Suit or sports jacket is recommended for Sundays but not required.

c. Pants must be either dress or Docker type.

Being well dressed is a requirement for my line of business, I always dress this way unless I'm at home.

 

6. Shoes must be shined.

I get new Josef Seibel's whenever they go dull.

 

7. Must not be a drinker or smoker.

I drink, (but no longer in access), and I smoke 1 pack every 3 days.

 

8. Must be a giver to CSBC.

I'm ashamed to say that $$ wise, I may not give an entire 10% of my earnings, sometimes more, and sometimes less. I do, however, barter thousands in CAD work and 3D modeling for a number of projects along with welding services.

 

9. Faithful in attendance.

We're there 90% of the time when the doors are open and not just for regular services.

 

10. Must have complete hospitality training.

This is a given, I think.

 

Personally, even if I didn't have a conflict with qualification number 7, others would have conflicts with some of the others. I find it completely unfair to those who have the desire to serve, but can't meet these requirements.

 

I personally feel that our Church may be hindering those who truly want to serve in this capacity, but are unable to do so because maybe they can't afford to have nice clothes. Or their hygiene isn't as big of a personal concern.

 

And let's just say that Brother John decides to serve, but he doesn't own a shiny pair of dress shoes, and they decide, "Brother John, we won't worry about that and allow you to serve just the same, because you meet the rest of the qualifications". ( This does happen people, and this scenario is very real ).

 

My question is, should I ignore the qualifications I lack in, and volunteer anyway? Most of the members already know I smoke and drink. It doesn't bother them. Most members I know understand there isn't a sin greater than the next. Is this unfair? Is the Church in danger, I mean, REAL danger of being responsible for denying a member an opportunity to serve God?

 

Your thoughts?

[Mr Spock]

Your church is weird. When I attended, there were those who chose to dress casually, and those who chose to dress up and no one looked askance either way because you knew everyone. Plus, anyone participating in the service like altar boy or whatever the hell would usually wear robes.

 

They were just glad you were there, and making whatever donation you could to the collection plate. I would take offence to those guidlines as well, not because they're offensive but because I don't appreciate other people telling me what to do.

 

Talk to the minister. Tell him those guidlines make you uncomfortable to offer your services to the church. They make you uncomfortable because they're imposed BY the church, and not by God. You'd like to help out, but maybe making sandwhiches or tea for after the service is better for you. Dunno.

[ThumbingMyWay]

Moose,

 

what denomination is this church?.

 

 

I understand each church can set rules for themselves...but I think some may go over board. I could not belong to a church like yours....casue if those are the rules for usher, imagine what its like for other areas.

 

One cant define anothers service (ministry). Nor should set rules on how one serves God. We all have a gift that is different from the next. And we all serve and love god in our own way. Love is all that matters....not what clothes you wear.

 

I am learning alot about my faith....alot of stereotypes are being shattered and I know see alot of hyprocrisy.....i see alot of things in organized religion that I think Jesus himself would not agree with. All we as believers need to do, is love eachother and god with all your heart. When you start appling rules to what, how and when you worship....thats when I get turned off by it.....we should serve freely as we want to....God made each one of us different becasue he wants to enjoy us as individuals...not uniformed ushers.

 

 

Moose - read this book http://www.purposedrivenlife.com//productr1.aspx?SID=1&Product_ID=1&Category_ID=2

[Moose]

Thanks ThumbingMyWay,

 

The Church is Baptist. Please understand that the dress code is only set up for the ministry. Members can come as they are. I'm just disappointed at the set of rules they've set up in order to serve. I don't think it's fair, and I think it's a shame I can't participate.

[ThumbingMyWay]

Originally posted by Moose

I'm just disappointed at the set of rules they've set up in order to serve. I don't think it's fair, and I think it's a shame I can't participate.

 

 

I agree....

[dyermaker]

Is the Church in danger, I mean, REAL danger of being responsible for denying a member an opportunity to serve God?

They lack the authority to deny anyone the chance to serve God. Often times, you lack the authority to even consciously make the choice to serve God, it just happens.

 

When it comes to who leads people to their seats, however, you have to remind yourself that just because there's a cross on the roof doesn't make them any less of a corporation.

 

I think you would be best relaying your concerns in a letter, if you feel strongly about it.

[Blessedman]

Well, there are truly different churches out there that follow different by-laws. The first thing I would like to bring to your attention is that if you do not agree with your pastors messages, even if it is only a few you dont agree with you may need to seek enlightenment elswhere. Yes you have been a member there for years, but if you cant agree with everything he teaches, how can you ever get anything out of his sermons. Secondly, The bible has should be taught and taught with simplicity and understanding. If this is done then there would be no confusion in what is write or wrong.

 

The church just wants you to be dressed professionaly and that is all, the church I go to provides sports coats for the servers in the church. you only have to wear them when you are serving that day, and that day only. Once the pastor takes the pulpit they normaly remove them.

 

The bible teaches us that we are to give 10% of our earnings, that is not a church rule. If you read in Malachi it tell's you bring 10% of all earnings to the alter. In doing so then I may open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing. Alot of people and I do mean alot of people get confused when they go to church and they hear pastors talk about Tithes and offerings. They think that the church is begging for money. And in some cases they are. you should only be giving Tithes, and occasionally when you see fit a little extra for offerings.

 

last and certainly not least. There is nowhere in the bible or at least that I know of where the bible say's you cant drink. It expresses that you should not drink stong drink to the point of getting drunk. remember Jesus drank, and the first miracled he performed, before he made lame walk, before he made the deaf hear, and the blind see. He turned water into wine.

 

Sorry this was so long and i hope it helps.