If a man walked into your church barefooted and had dirty clothes and smelled bad?

Question

would he be welcome at your church

Answer 1

i am the smelly guy. i dont believe in that stuff, but they still wouldnt let me in.

Answer 2

That sounds like the lyrics to Todd Agnew's song, "My Jesus." Here's an excerpt:

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
I think He’d prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

If you'd like to read the rest of the lyrics, you can go here: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=4022 The song is very powerful.

Unfortunately, many Christian churches would turn away such a man. It's hard to attend a church and receive teaching from leaders in a facility that can't even practice what they preach. I've found a church that certainly lives up to the Word of God. People such as this have been accepted in our church...and they're still members to this day. We're all a part of the Body of Christ -- it takes different people with different gifts to perform the Great Commission. If we can't look past the outside, how will we ever see what's on the inside?

Answer 3

Perhaps as an act of Christianity (or even humane kindness) you should offer some shoes and clothes and see if you can help with his personal care. he may need some counselling. Look for the good in people and help where you can.

I don't go to church but would certainly feel better than someone who is a religious person, criticising this man and pretending to love god.

Answer 4

My grandfathers a pastor as a little girl an old drunk came in with a bottle, my grandpa stopped in the middle of his sermon and asked the man to set the bottle outside,and have a seat. I could'nt understand (being young) and asked my grandpa, why?
He exclaimed " it could of been Jesus Christ coming through those door, and you never turn anyone away from the House of God. It stayed with me since. Yes he would be welcome at my church.

Answer 5

God doesn't care of you are barefooted , or have dirty clothes,or if you smell bad. He is the Creator of all things , he loves you anyway . He always has .and he always will

Answer 6

Here is an article that reminded me of your question - please read the whole thing, it's quite interesting, about some christians who chose to live homeless for a while to get closer to God.

Note: Pay attention to page 3, or "Why we didn't go to church in Phoenix". This part sticks out as proof to your point.

Answer 7

Yes. My church is a welcome place it is mostly old times and people who open their arms to all. My familiy of 10 started going there and no one had any doubts about welcoming us, even if some of us were just in shorts and tee shirts. I think they would accept him, and even take him under their wings for awhile.

Answer 8

I think so. I know I would be happy to have him and I believe some of the men in the church would extend the hand of friendship.

Answer 9

Yes he would be welcome and I would see that he got cloths and cleaned himself up. But first I would give him the gospel. I would tell him that the Lord Jesus Christ died for his sins and that He was buried and took his sins away and He rose again the third day for our justification. 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Answer 10

NO. Tell him this is the house of GOD and cleanliness is next to Godliness. He needs to clean up before he enters your church. Have a polite talk with him.

Answer 11

Why not? Give him a hand to clean up, get a good meal. Happens in our church every Sunday. No obligations.