Not much has changed in Baptist churches since the last time I went in 2011.
People still want to shout and sing and feel grounded in the midst of the daily struggle.
It was interesting looking at everyone dressed-up in new clothes. Looking good. Feeling good. It was interesting. That made me happy to see that.
As I watched the person singing the song and people clapping at the end I wondered why this was considered worship. I could see how the lady singing was worshipping, but not the people sitting in the pew listening and then clapping. It was more like a concert to me.
When it was time for the collection of money, it was new to ask people who wanted to give electronically to go to the back of the room. I guess they had credit and debit card terminals back there.
I don’t know.
I just sat there wondering, how did “the church” evolve into a theater performance, a concert, a retail operation, prayers that sounded like sermons…and…I guess there was a sermon, but I couldn’t stay any longer. I just couldn’t. It felt awkward and unnatural because what I needed spiritually was already inside of me. I left them in their beautiful new clothes, sitting side by side in straight back chairs, watching a t.v. screen showing the action on the stage and said silently…May they all be happy.
