What do you mean, I'm your problem?

Every once in a while a person comes up to me after a service with a clear problem. 

Their problem is me. 

For reasons lost on those of us limited by rational thought, or the use of logic, or a Windows platform, or Base-10 math, or scriptural principles, or human compassion, or social protocols, these people feel compelled to inform me of their disdain.  Why is that?

What do these people think I'll say? "Oh no!  I can't go on doing what I'm doing for Jesus if it bothers you!  Thanks for pointing out that everything I do and say is                             (insert bad word here). I will recalibrate our ministry strategy and make sure we pass our music and media ideas through your filter from now on.  That way I can be sure that nothing happens that you don't like."  Do they actually think I'll say that?

This weekend some guy came up to me after church and said, "The music you play here is of the devil."  (I was impressed by his ability to pick up the subtle clues indicating that I was the one actually singing, even though Angie tried so hard to properly lip-sync the song. Okay, so my secret is out. I play all of our music.  But does that mean our artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner is of the devil?  C'mon. )

He spoke again. "These screens are evil." (What does he know about the screens that I don't?  Our screen surfaces have microscopic spherical glass beads embedded in a matte white base material. Due to their spherical shape, the glass beads reflect the majority of projected light back to its source. This results in a projected image that is significantly brighter than matte white, within an approximate 90 degree viewing cone. The superior on-axis reflectivity of glass beaded material makes it desirable for use with low luminance projection devices...but does that make our screens evil?)

I said, "You're a Christian, aren't you." (How did I know?)

He answered, "You                     (insert bad words here) know it!"

"Tell me," I said, "What kind of church teaches you to talk like that?"

"I'll talk to you any                        (insert more bad words here) way I want."

When this fellow finished his rant I thanked him for letting me know that our ministry wasn't really connecting with him.  "Boy," I said, "I'm sure glad you so quickly realized that GCC is not the church for you!  Somehow you figured all that out by attending just one weekend service.  Good for you!  Now you can go to church somewhere else, where you will be happy...and that will make me happy too." 

He left.  I am happy. 

Comments

[Your Son]

Well played, Sir. I only wish I could of seen it all go down first hand : ) We had a a guy escorted out in the middle of the 11 o'clock service today. I'll have to fill you in on the whole story next time we chat. People never cease to amaze me.

[Kem Meyer]

I'm sincerely enjoying your posts. I can't wait for this thing to get out. How did the pictures turn out?

[Kathy Guy]

I am so pumped for our people to meet with you in this way! Absolutely wonderful!

[nathan]

Your question, 'Tell me,What kind of church teaches you to talk like that?' reminded me of someone...Oh, who was it now...
Oh yeah...Jesus.
Not that you're Jesus of anything...but certainly wise.

It's good to know you're blogging. Tim let the cat out of the bag--at least, he sent me on a search for you, and I found it first try!

I look forward to reading more of your thoughts in the future! Welcome to blogging!

[Kristin Baker]

If part of this guy's theory were true, that would mean that Dustin, Trace, Dan, Jason, and Butch are "the devil", and since I see Jesus in them everyday, I'd have to argue that his hypothesis, though eloquently expressed, just doesn't hold water . . . :)
P.S. Welcome to blogworld!

[Thomas Hoyt]

I think our brother Rob Wegner put it best when he said that one of the reasons the church is so sick and thin in America is that so many have made the religion the end point...it's all about the rites and rituals, the do's and don'ts, the piety and stained glass windows with pipe organs and choirs wearing robes! Truth be told, I actually enjoy listening to pipe organs and choirs.

Because of the way we do ministry here at GCC Mark, I have learned that God is all about love, people...relationships! God IS love! He made the free decision to put us before Himself when He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross. Love is INDEED the most important and critical commandment to follow. Love is at the very core.

Keep on lovin' Mark! Keep on doing church the way that you do.

[Patrick Sievert]

oh my gosh... that is so awesome (your response anyway).

[Terrace Crawford]

Interesting post. You've gotta love the crusaders and haters. By the way, welcome to the world of blogging!

/TC/

[Gene Ort]

I am sorry you have to go through that junk, but it's because of Jesus and your determined teaching that I now can say with conviction that "he matters to God". I am quite sure he went away a miserable man, tormented by anger. I hope some of the truth he heard that day burns somewhere inside his heart and will eventually leads him back to Jesus. Thanks for the reminder of the attacks you sometimes face. I will be praying for you.

[Mike Messerli]

good for you! I agree completely. How come we put up with these guys? It's one of those blessed subtractions when they leave. I actually had a guy in a service a few years ago making such a disturbance that I walked down to him, took him by the arm and escorted him out of the building, and told him never to come back. It really felt good.

Great pot. thanks, Mike

[Thomas Hoyt]

It's so sad and hard to accept that there are those in this world whom no matter what will not decide to accept and follow Christ.

All we can do is continue to show His love and pray for them all.

[Bill Maki]

What does it mean to love you enemies ?

Is true religion about loving those that love you or is it something else ?

[Sharon Reynolds]

Dear Mark, Your a great Minister. I have a question. Why did revelation subtract so many other books? What years did they drop them? And have you studied any of the book of the Bible that was dropped like The Book of Thomas since they were rediscovered in the earlier 1900?

God Bless

Sharon