Thoughts.com Blogs - 'Do you believe the way we do here?'

I visited a Missionary Baptist church several years ago. Before I found a home church in the new town I moved to, I would wake up early on a Sunday morning and pick a direction and drive until it was about time for church to start and I would pull into the parking lot of the nearest church to me. I did that every Sunday for months until I found a church that I felt God calling me to.

I visited a church in Arkasnas just outside of Hot Springs. I was dressed in a charcoal black suit and a blue tie. My hair was combed and my shoes were shined. I sat towards the back of this small, about 50 poeple attending, church and waited for the services to begin. I recieved some stares and a few puzzled looks. An older well dressed gentleman came over to me and asked what I was doing at his church. I quickly and politely responded with, "I am here for worship and learning." He asked if I was a Baptist. I said that I was a Christian. He then asked if I believed the way they do here. I reponded with a question of my own. I asked, "What is it that you believe?" Unfortunately the preable started and the worship leader asked for all to take our seats for prayer before excusing everyone to Sunday School. I remember thinking that it was quit odd for that gentleman to ask such pointed questions to a visitor.

As everyone was dismissed to Sunday School, my age group remained in the sanctuary. I took a seat in the back of the row of pews that was cordined off for the class. I was not asked for my name and really felt ignored. As the lesson on Issac and Ishmael got into full swing, the teacher made some errors and I raised my hand and asked for clarification. I did not feel that was inapropriate since others were asking questions and commenting throughout the lesson already. I was met with a harsh, "Why does that matter?" Well, I thought that was a valid question posed back at me and proceeded to answer his question with some Biblical references and commentary. After the class, I noticed the man who was teaching tha class talking to several men at the front by the pulpit. I felt I should proprly introduce myself and give some credentials. I was greeted with a few handshakes and half-hearted smiles and went back to my original seat. As the worship leader began to get everyone to thier pews I was approached by the older gentleman, the teacher and two other gentleman. They asked if they could have a word with me in the foyer. I followed them and when we arrived at a spot outside the sancuary, I was told that I had to leave and that it was not a request. I asked why and thier response was, " We don't want your kind here and will not allow you to be here any longer, now go." I left.

I know how all this sounds. It sounds like I found a backwoods fire and brimstone, snake handleing, strictnine drinking cult. On the contrary, it was a small family Missionary Baptist church within a neighborhood community next to a public school. Now this was not the last time I have been made to feel unwanted or asked with church goers eyes to leave. I have been to many great and wonderful churches and met some outstanding Christians. Yet, it seems to me that the loudest voice comes from those that were not.

I had often wondered why churches split over small things in the past, or why people have told me they would never go to church again, or say that if being a Christian means trating people like that I don't want anything to do with it. Now I have a clearer understanding.

Christians, although commanded by God not to judge are commonly the harshest of judges. We as Christians are taught love, kindness, forgiveness and to be friendly and inviting. However, I have found that especially between the different denominations that is not so. Shame.

I am a Mesianic Jew. In other words, I am a Christain who is also Jewish by herritage and upbringing. I was raised Orthodox Jew and found Salvation in my twenties. I am 35 years old now. I am not sure I would have come to Christ if I were to have visited one of the churches like the one I mentioned earlier.
It is so important as Christians we live as Christ. I am ashamed of my Christian brothers and sisters who treat visitors or those who are of a different denomination rudely. I am am saddened that the love Christ has for us is not manifest in thier lives to others. I pray for those who fall into that catagory and hope that they will see the sin that has hold of them.

Mathew 22 shows us how to handle individuals who akted this way. What about a whole church? What can be done there? It starts with the Elders and the Pastor. In answering, "Do I believe the way they do?" No I do not. I believe in Christ. Christ lives in me and He through me shows the love that He has given to us.
Remember who you are and Who you represent. You never know who may be visiting next Sunday. It could be you. To live IS Christ! May God bless all of you.

Dr. C. A. Moenning