As a disclaimer, let me start off by saying I am not looking to start a heated argument or discussion with anyone about the topic I wanted to share. This is just simply my opinion! I realize we all attend various churches with various denominations. This blog is referring to Christian churches not catholic just so you know where I stand on this. Okay...disclaimer over!
Since I left Smithtown Gospel 6 years ago, I have attended various churches. I did sort of serve at one church for 8 months but have attended about 6 churches in 6 years. If there is one thing that has been eating at me it is one thing I noticed in 3 of these 6 churches. They worship in the dark! You walk into the service and as the worship begins, the lights go off, the worship band begins to play and there are flashing lights everywhere like you are at a concert. Please don't get me wrong! The guy writing this blog was a Christian rocker in the 1980's and I will confess I still listen to it on my IPod when I can. I have been to Christian Rock concerts! My favorite was a Petra concert in Albany, NY in 1984! I just don't understand why as Christians we have decided to turn the lights off, flash strobe lights everywhere and call it worship. Call me old fashioned! I grew up in a church where as a teen the Pastor wore a 3 piece suit, we had a piano and organ and our lights shone bright in our sanctuary as we all entered the presence of the Lord. Today, I have noticed some Pastors wear ripped jeans and a t-shirt with Nike's, some wear a baseball cap backwards all to try to entice a younger generation to come to church and see the cool Pastor. And many walls of these churches are painted black as if you are at a concert. I also realize some of these churches meet in a former warehouse where there are no windows but I have a simple question about that. Why in the darkness? Why not turning on the lights so we can all see each other and worship together in one accord!
I'm sorry to sound so old fashioned but I want to be able to worship God where I can see my hands being raised and not feel like I'm at a rock concert. I want to go to church so I can get closer to God and learn more about Him. I am not discrediting the heart of any Pastor and the vision he has for his church. I realize that each church is different and you want to reach the young people especially those ages 18-29. However, the bible does say in 1 John 1:5 - "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." God is light and in my humble opinion, we need to worship Him together NOT in total darkness, but in the light. Thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest!
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!
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