I hear churches everyday saying the new favorite tag line of “come as you are”. What I am wondering is do we really mean it? Do we really want anyone to come as they are? Are we willing to “accept” them on their terms? I wonder!
I have a pastor friend of mine who is really taking some heat for what he is preaching behind the pulpit. His last series was entitled “Best Sex Ever”, which raised a few eyebrows in the “Christian” realm, but garnered great publicity in the “secular” ranks. His latest sermon title is “God Loves Gays”. I am sure that he will take a beating over this one. He and I email back and forth every now and then and i am always trying to encourage him to go for it.
Jesus himself didn’t “play it safe”. He wasn’t worried about being careful not to offend the “church” folks. He was out to change the world. He ate with the sinners and talked to the prostitutes. He spent time with the ones who “needed” him most.
So…to all my “Relevant Christian” friends out there. Keep it up. Keep being a light in a dark place. Keep hanging out with the “wrong crowd”. Jesus did!
Peace!
