I really dislike our local Baptist service

Michael Sly, Longshot, I really would like for you guys to be right.

I hope to hear from Smalltowner soon.

Please accept as way of explanation that I'm slightly tainted by Cappy within the last 72 hours, and the fact that I know of more people who are planning to do the same thing Cappy did.

 

We don't generally clap in the church I attend (a good ol' "Amen" usually suffices); but we do have a "shake hands" period before the offering. It's usually introduced as, "If you're happy to be here today, why don't you stand up, shake hands with someone, smile at 'em, and let 'em know you're happy they're here!"

 

You're probably right, Don. At least this one isn't so "out there".
I enjoy the handshaking (and hugging) very much.
Instead of clapping, I say "Praise the Lord", or something like that. Some in our church clap - some don't. I've never (nor ever will) ask what their motivation is.

 

It's pretty common, Optional, when a board tries to remain clean. That's why we have so many moderators here -- it keeps all of us busy! We also appreciate notification if anyone feels something is wrong somewhere, so we can check it. We have a couple of moderators who are really computer-savvy and can check all kinds of things rather quickly.

(By the way, I think a couple of us moderators are having problems with our PM's. I am one. The box is marked full with nothing in it. So to contact me please feel free to use

bhs4light@baptistmail.com)

 

I have found things in the Southern Baptist Church that we just joined an exciting and welcomed change from the staunch, stuffy Independent Baptist services. We shake hands after singing some praise and worship music, and it's great! We've met a lot of people that way. I don't see any 'forced' friendliness in this. Those who don't want to shake hands just don't do it. We don't look down on them for it.
We clap after specials, after the choir number and other things, but it's not an applause to praise the singer/singers, it's more to praise the Lord. This past Sunday, we clapped through the choir special! It was an excellent time of praise to the King of Kings! It was something that wouldn't have been acceptable in the IFB churches I grew up in.
The Bible tells us to clap our hands, be joyful, praise and worship the King! There's nothing wrong with it unless you can find scripture to point the other way. I don't find any!
Praise the Lord for SBC churches and IFB churches alike that know how to praise and worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth.

B.T.

 

Great! Now i have to take back everything I said about you! hehehe LOL hehehe

Welcome aboard, brother!

"It is always better to stand up for conservatism, then to fall into liberalism" Justified Version

 

Note to Smalltowner:

Find something else to do during the handshaking...play a musical instrument if you can...the pianist and the organist, orchestra do not have to greet people. Be busy with children. You can avoid it if you want. Perhaps no one is noticing that you are not shaking hands with others.

As to clapping, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I don't care for the clapping, but our church does. I like to soak in the songs, etc., but clapping is a way that everyone can participate in the worship service.

I love singing songs, the more we sing the more I like it. As to standing, I sit when I want to.
Many people can't stand for long periods of time.

You say you like being with your friends, I would say just go with the flow, you might like it. I know I am happier when I am not so critical of others methods of worship.

Welcome aboard and sorry that we thought you were trying to stir us up.

Another point, I grew up with other traditions than the youth of today, but when I see how eager they are to serve our Lord and Savior, I can't say that they way is wrong.

 

Smalltowner, thanks for coming back and proving me wrong. Seriously!

As for finding something else to do--how about making a quick exit for the bathroom?....

 

Huh?

Thanks for coming back smalltowner. I was wrong, also. As for what to do during the handshaking - grab someone's hand, pull them to you and give them a big kiss on the mouth. Guarantee they'll leave you alone after that.

 

I have been a SBC-er all of my Christian life.

I have come to the point in my life where I don't like the handshaking during the service, but I will. I find that a handshake is not enough fellowship for me. I get more fellowship standing out in the parking lot gabbing my lips off. And I do this all the time.

I don't care for the non-participatory songs--I love praise and worship and play in the band--which has done wonders for me. I LOVE going to church.

 

Welcome smalltowner,

Do we call you sister or brother smalltowner?

 

Brother Smalltown,

You are correct, I, personnally do not know what you mean by lounge act.

Several years ago, when I first attended the church where I am a member now, I did not like the church at all. I did not like the handshaking, the clapping, and the informal atmosphere. Therefore I went to a larger church, very formal. No one shook my hand. In fact no one spoke to me. This was just fine. At that time, I wanted to be a sponge and just soak in the service. I went to this church for five years. I decided that I wanted to participate and meet friends, etc. Well, they still did not speak to me. The pastor would walk by without speaking. I became very unhappy with the church that met my needs five years before.

One Sunday on the way to this church, I was passing the small church that I didn't like, the Lord said, Turn in Here and go to church. This was a very strong command and I didn't question it. I turned and attended the church.

I loved it. The church had not changed, but I had changed. I now have a place where I can worship, serve and praise the Lord.

I know now why the Lord wanted me to go to this church, but that is another story.

We pray that you will find a church where you can worship, serve and praise our Lord.

At first I was asking what can this church do for me, but now I know it is not about me, but worshiping and praising our Lord, God.

 

Surely I cannot be the only person who wonders why smalltown has compromised doctrinal truth because he doesn't like the music? I mean you no disrespect sir, but I attended an SBC church for 4 years in obscurity, not for lack of "getting connected", but during that very disheartening time, I would NEVER EVER consider leaving the Biblical truth that I was being preached just so I could make friends, or in your case, so I would like the music. I'm sorry, I just don't get it...am I really the only one who wonders this?

Kathy
<><

PS I left after 4 years cuz I moved out of state, just thought I'd say that in case anyone was wondering

 

Katie's got an excellent point. If the church's doctrinal preaching is correct, then the problem isn't really with the church...it's with you.

As I mentioned before, to have friends, a man must show himself to be friendly.

[ August 23, 2002, 06:22 PM: Message edited by: Don ]

 

Smalltowner commented on the "meet & greet" element of his church " about the handshaking. Although I dislike it and it is stressful for me, I can understand how it might make some people feel more welcome. I personally just find it disruptive and forced." I agree. At our church we have a general welcome from the pulpit to all - no more is needed. There are folks in our church who greet visitors because they want to and choose to, there is no need for an "artificial" welcome.

As for the poor man who was forced to meet and greet about 100 eager souls - he should consider himself fortunate. I used to attend a church where the visitor stood whilst the entire congregation sang him a "welcome song." How embarassing is that?

 

Smalltowner, for what its worth, I fully understand your position. I HATE being pressured into doing anything before a crowd, and will avoid any situation that appears to pressure me to do so. Now while I fully understand the the "gladhanding" mentioned is not before a crowd, for me it's ALMOST the same in that you are (peer pressure! ) "encouraged" to move about and initiate greetings.
I try to get into my sanctuary ASAP after SS before most of the crowd comes in, simply because I despise making an entrance after it's filling up!
There are others who wait, and that's their choice, which is fine with me! ;
Anything that calls attention to ME, I avoid if at all feasible & possible.