Ashton and Davis

On page 102 Ashton mentions the garments worn by priests.  I was impressed by the fact that he did not simply bow to his tradition but rather questioned practices that are not biblical.  I appreciated hearing the Anglican priest’s historic explanation of priestly wear on Tuesday.  I agree, however, with this week’s author that a different dresscode for the leader of a ceremony and the laity can promote a mistaken notion: that an elite group exists which has easier access to the Father than the rest of the church.  This runs against the Biblical teaching that there is but one go between man when it comes to God and man, and that is the great high priest, Jesus Christ.  My question to you is this: what reasons can you think of for why a ceremony leader should or should not wear distinctive dress?

Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin …

The fact that the length of service is even included in an article is refreshing for me.  As you may recall, I grew up in essentially three churches that I remember, and visited very few.  As I have been doing the CIU thing and visiting lots of churches, I have found that people preach a lot longer then I am used to.  I guess my Presbyterian pastor preaches about 20 minutes and my Baptist preacher preaches for about 30-40.  Eddie, the Baptist preacher, is a gifted storyteller and preacher and I rarely lose focus with him.  However, here in Columbia, I have been to lots of churches that preach for 45 minutes to an hour, and I wonder if most of them could have said what they needed to in 15-20 minutes.  Some, like Andre Rogers, have no trouble keeping my attention, but that seems to be the exception to the rule.    I understand that culture plays a huge role in the length of a service, but my gut feeling is that they are preaching for a long time so that it seems what they say has weight and that it is a habit of that Body of believer. How long do the pastors at your churches preach and do you think that is a good amount of time?  Do you have any hints for staying engaged? (in the service, not to Mandy)

Honest Evaluation

The second sample service Ashton gives us is a Guest Service – intended to be specifically friendly to outsiders.  Reading through the commentary, one finds Ashton dissatisfied and critical at many points.  Much of the criticism is directed toward the hymns and songs included.  He comments on the subjectivity of some of the lyric content, the selection of an alternate tune for a popluar hymn, and the need to sing only some of the verses of the last hymn.  He is not altogether negative though, and he shows a great deal of sensitivity toward outsiders.  His concluding comments included, “This service did not work particularly well” (p. 127, par. 3).  In Ashton’s evaluation, a contributing factor to the service’s ineffectiveness was hasty preparation without due consideration of relevant principles for Guest Services.  This honesty is refreshing, and we can often learn much from viewing our failures to plan well or act consistently with good principles.

However, how do we judge rightly whether or not a service “works”?

FAMILY ORIENTED SERVICES

So on page 106 Ashton talked about how during a family oriented service, all parts of it should be child friendly. He says thats its not fair to keep the children in and then to ignore him. I strongly agree with him on this one. Growing up i hated with a passion going into the services with all the adults because it was so BORING!!! everything the pastor said i felt was blah blah blah blah! I felt the pastor could have made the service a little more intresting on the fourth Sundays if all the children had to sit in there unwillingly. I feel that when children go into a church service, which in my case was once a month, they should seriously try to make it as child friendly as possible. I believe that if kids are intrested in the service, but at the same time get the message given then they won’t have the mindset that “BIG CHURCH IS BORING!” Also just because a service is child friendly doesn’t mean that it down plays the Adults or does lack of edification. Dr. Olshine told us in our communicating to youth class that if you can engage a child than you can engage an adult and your lesson will probaly have a strong impact on them.  children need simplicity and a creative approach through the sermon that will keep them locked into the service. if you ask me adults are the same way.

So i guess my question is what ways can we keep our family oriented services child friendly and adult friendly?