LLLV17 6-8-2017 The Apostle Jude and The Hokey Pokey
Many churches are abandoning the old standby names and going to more up to date, hip types. Many old dried up names in our town have been thrown aside, in efforts to attract the “younger crowd.” Of course, others are wrestling with the idea of just how do you make a crucifixion attractive.
Our church will celebrate its 30th year about the Middle Fall season and we are thankful for this relative longevity in today’s ever-changing world. I did come up with a name, one that will also communicate what we are all about. Before proceeding I warn it did not go over very well. But then the congregation that I serve is well along in years, as am I. I fear to be still for over one minute because they may embalm me!
Tell me what you think about our suggested new moniker and slogan:
The Hokey Pokey Church, “The place to turn your life around.”
The complaints varied from serious theological conflict to outright disdain for giving the idea any thought. Most really liked the idea of the name as they recall the catchy song of a few years ago. (1826). The main objection was the fear that some would start doing the Hokey Pokey and break a hip. The second most, vociferous objection was the implication that people need to change. This surely would fly in the face of our politically correct members and drastically offend any outsider that was exposed to the old rants of change of this or that. We have come a long way since those archaic days and sermons. After all, relatives of several members have that, you know what kind of change, and we don’t want their feelings hurt.
So, here’s my dilemma; Do I split the church, continue the search for a newer, more meaningful name, one that will offend no one, or do I forget all about it and continue fervently serving, while being very careful to not offend with brutal crosses and supposedly delivered addicts, etc.?
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Leave it to the Bible to complicate things.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Non-hokey IT Work. Oral Deckard
Comment! Your email addy will not be sold or given to anyone.
Many churches are abandoning the old standby names and going to more up to date, hip types. Many old dried up names in our town have been thrown aside, in efforts to attract the “younger crowd.” Of course, others are wrestling with the idea of just how do you make a crucifixion attractive.
Our church will celebrate its 30th year about the Middle Fall season and we are thankful for this relative longevity in today’s ever-changing world. I did come up with a name, one that will also communicate what we are all about. Before proceeding I warn it did not go over very well. But then the congregation that I serve is well along in years, as am I. I fear to be still for over one minute because they may embalm me!
Tell me what you think about our suggested new moniker and slogan:
The Hokey Pokey Church, “The place to turn your life around.”
The complaints varied from serious theological conflict to outright disdain for giving the idea any thought. Most really liked the idea of the name as they recall the catchy song of a few years ago. (1826). The main objection was the fear that some would start doing the Hokey Pokey and break a hip. The second most, vociferous objection was the implication that people need to change. This surely would fly in the face of our politically correct members and drastically offend any outsider that was exposed to the old rants of change of this or that. We have come a long way since those archaic days and sermons. After all, relatives of several members have that, you know what kind of change, and we don’t want their feelings hurt.
So, here’s my dilemma; Do I split the church, continue the search for a newer, more meaningful name, one that will offend no one, or do I forget all about it and continue fervently serving, while being very careful to not offend with brutal crosses and supposedly delivered addicts, etc.?
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Leave it to the Bible to complicate things.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Non-hokey IT Work. Oral Deckard
Comment! Your email addy will not be sold or given to anyone.
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