If you had YOUR WAY...who would you disallow entry into your church? No special powers here...you gotta figure out who is who on their FIRST visit. And how would you do that? What if they "slipped in undetected" and you found out later...would you make them leave then? What "proof" would you need? Is word of mouth good enough? Or is it simply not worth the risk to allow some multi-pierced, hair-colored, black-coat wearin' teenager with an attitude in for fear he might be sportin' a uzi under there and came to "deliver" you all personally?
What about the suit and tie guy with his wife, 2.5 children and mini-van? Even if he is a convicted sex offender (and yes, they can attend church legally and can be in the presence of theirs -- and sometimes others' -- children)?
2006-08-02 13:21:25 · 7 answers · asked by brussellstuff 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Everyone and anyone can attend. But only Catholics in good standing may partake of Communion.
2006-08-02 13:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't disallow anyone from attending. The only requirement for those in ministry (laity as well) is that they be saved and free from the bondage of sin.
If someone is practicing homosexuality, they would be welcome to attend, but couldn't participate in ministry. If someone is a "multi-pierced, hair-colored, black-coat wearin' teenager with an attitude," they are welcome to attend, but if their attitude is defiant and rebellious, they would be disqualified from ministry. The same thing goes with the guy and his wife, with the 2.5 children and minivan. If they have a life characterized by unrepentant sin, they can attend, but not participate in ministry. Same for the convicted sex offender.
Paul tells Timothy this as it relates to leadership in the church: "Do not ordain anyone hastily. Do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." (I Timothy 5:22) And he adds, "The sins of some people are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment. The sins of others follow them there. In the same way, good works are obvious, and those that are not cannot remain hidden." (I Timothy 5:24-25)
Not nearly as bigoted as you thought, huh?
2006-08-02 13:40:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All can come to my Church. This isn't to say the Church accepts sinful acts or condones it, but they are welcome to come to Christ and repent.
Ever heard of the Catholic Church? I bet you're surprised, aren't you?
I would also be a little careful about the UZI under the coat comment....someone may start watching you as a potential threat to shoot up a church.
2006-08-02 13:25:39 · answer #3 · answered by Augustine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jam 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Jam 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
Jam 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Jam 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Jam 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Jam 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Jam 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Jam 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Unfortunately, there are churches that ignore the above passage.
Need I say more?
2006-08-02 13:29:15 · answer #4 · answered by Terry K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not disallow anyone entry into my church. Jesus came for the sinners, not the saved.
2006-08-02 13:25:47 · answer #5 · answered by Caritas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not my decision who can and can't go to Church. God accepts all people because we are all His children. Because we are all His children, we are called to repentence and obedience to Him.
2006-08-02 13:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At our church, you have to be alive to attend. If you're dead, you get to go to one more service but no more after that...
2006-08-02 14:31:22 · answer #7 · answered by Paul McDonald 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋