TreyM

The church loves blue hair on the little old ladies. But not on a 16 year-old teen who looks like he's just crawled out of a tackle box. Then we're not so sure about that.

What is it about people who are different than us that we just aren't comfortable with? People with different looks, different opinions and different backgrounds often make us uncomfortable. When will we begin to understand that God loves the people we consider weird just as much as He loves us? He loves the pierced, tattooed, the black, the white and the foreign.

Is God really interested it those type of people? I think you'll be surprised by the answer. It's on my blog this morning if you want to read it....

Blessings...

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My Blog: www.treymorgan.net

Boanerges

The church is for everyone- it is my pleasure to look out in a service and see black, white, hispanic and oriental people. I see young and old, I see suits and bald headed tattooed bikers. I see wealthy and I see bus loads of street people, I see people from rehab houses and visitors from afar- ALL WORSHIPPING GOD TOGETHER- what a blessing - were the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom- Yes I must admit the church I attend is awesome and I love it! Praise GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Banarenth

Bana = Long hair, piercings, black clothed goth. Sometimes I even wear eyeliner and black finger nails. I know a lot of people don't like it, don't think it's Christian, but, they are not the people I most need to reach. Someone "like me" needs to hear the Word from someone who isn't super-establishment. I rejected the church years ago because of the way I was treated, and when people ask why I don't change, my answer is simple. I don't change my appearance because I want to stand out. I am not comfortable blending in or hiding or pretending to be part of a Country Club Church. I'm me. I'm real. I'm totally sold out heart and soul for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. By being a Christian AND a goth, I have not only stood as an example to other goths, others that feel rejected by society, and other people who don't fit into the "normal" category, I have shown those that ARE "normal" that they don't need to "change" everyone to bring them to Christ, only change their hearts.

Otetiani

Church is a place where every one has the common bond of G-d. People can be different in every other way but we can still be relaxed with each other because we know our bond. If I go to a church that seems to shun those who appear different, I view that as my first clue the Lord is not with them. If He is central what else will matter? Love sees through, past the surface. If a congregation does not bear this fruit it should be judged accordingly.

Struick

I believe when you are in church you are on holy ground.
I think we should avoid the appearance of evil.
Where do you draw the line?

If one is "born again" one is a new creature, a new person.
If one looks like a hooker, a pimp, or what have you, there is something wrong.

Of course we don't need to go into extremes, it all takes common sense.

Not wantig to upset some people here, but this is my 2 cents.

Banarenth

I'm not upset. If I were to be upset by anyone disagreeing with my appearance, then I would be a hypocrite, and my own convictions would be in question. But you are very right on one important thing, there IS a line. It is important that we do not dress in such a way that may encourage others to sin. Skin tight clothing, short mini-skirts, attire that is more fitting of a prostitute than anything else, not only calls a person out, but corrupts the image of Jesus in some cases.

In my case, I TRIED, honestly tried to blend in. I was miserable. It was a disguise. I felt like I was wearing a costume. I was uncomfortable. But that wasn't ME. It wasn't the Me that I was before, and it's not the ME I am with Christ. Yes, I DID change a lot when I came to Christ. Those who knew me before barely recognize me, but even in that change, I never started wearing business suits to church or anywhere else. I DO actually dress different at church than I would on a Saturday. But, that change never made me look "normal". Because for me to try to convince someone I'm like that, would be a lie. Anyone could see through it. It's important to me that I show myself as complete and fully me, the me that is in Christ, as I possibly can.

Otetiani

The building that you worship in, is it the Temple that G-d designed? Do you have a Holy of Holy's built in as G-d instructed? Has it been sanctified by the blood of the lamb and the Red Heifer. If it is sacred ground as you speak of then If I were you I would fear to tread at all.
In the new covenant G-d has purified us as his temple. He has made us his Holy of Holy's. His Holy Spirit now dwells in us. This is why you should fear with your mortal soul the insult and injustice directed towards one of G-ds saved. It is the same as desecrating the temple of G-d the most high. It does not matter how people look if they have been washed in the blood of the lamb and the Holy Spirit dwells within. Forget your building. Be aware of the sanctity of it's Saints.

Bassmasa

I think this is an interesting topic. Sitting at my keyboard in my nice, plush chair, it's so easy to say, "Yes! I accept any and everyone that comes into my church (or home, or office), regardless of how they look, just at Christ commanded." But, in reality, this is much, much easier said than done. I will absolutely make an effort to greet them, but I'll admit that my initial reaction is, "Wow, why is he/she here?" Is that the right thing to feel? No, but it's the truth. After I get it through my thick skull that we want everyone to attend, it's another story, but I'll admit that it's uncomfortable at first. I even attend a very, very diverse church in terms of races and socio-economic backgrounds.

I do have an honest question, though:

Banarenth, how do you feel when others, particularly in church, look at you "funny?" Most goths I knew always used to say, "What are you looking at?" and I always wondered why they intentionally made themselves different than others if they didn't want the added attention. Does that make sense?

I've actually been heartened that in recent weeks, many non-traditional looking folks have begun attending our church, more like big ol' gruff biker guys than goths, but it's still awesome to see God at work. One of the members I'm closest to at church is about 6'4", 300+ pounds and a former biker gang member. His testimony is more powerful than any other I've ever heard.

Struick

When I'm in Church, I'm in "church", it could be the church building or it could be at home in a home church. Wherever we gather together to worship Christ we are in church, it could be at work.
Christians are the church and where we gather we are on Holy ground.

The previous has nothing to do with the issue at hand btw.

Jesus excepts us all after repentance, and when we are born again we are different because of Him.

We are new creatures and what's in the heart comes to the outside.

I have been riding motorcycle with bad guys.
Once I became a born again believer I cleaned up my act, I still ride motorcycle but I don't look like hells angels or a bad guy anymore.
Does that mean I can't wear leathers?? Of course not.
It all takes common sense, as I said.

Anything associated with evil should not be present in the looks of a born again believer.

One does not need to look like a hooker in order to witness to a hooker.
Jesus can do all through you by the power of the Holy Ghost, Jesus does not need you to look evil in order to work through you.
He's way more powerful than that!

Otetiani

I don't disagree with any thing you said except your concept of church. My understanding is that the people are the church. The building or place of gathering is in no way a sacred or holy place. I realize that much tradition says otherwise but It is scripture that defines my understanding not tradition.
The reason I think it is relevant is because many Christians treat their buildings with more respect than the church (the people) Also, because I think you may be less offended by that "freak" if you didn't think of him as defiling your Holy place.