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.