I had occasion to visit another Baptist church in my area a few years ago for a special event, at the invitation of some friends who go there. As I was walking to the front doors from the parking lot, I noticed that some spots closest to the doors had signage indicating they were reserved. “Reserved for Pastor ________; Reserved for Pastor _________; and etc. It turned out that the pastor & two assistant pastors all warranted the best parking spots in the lot. Walking into the auditorium, I headed for a pew. Someone standing nearby pounced on me: “That’s saved.” (No greeting, no introduction, just what seemed to me a rather rude way to address a complete stranger in church.) When I did sit down, an usher (he wore a nametag saying “Usher”) came toward me. I was thinking, “Well, someone is going to greet me…” As he got to me, he leaned down and firmly placed his palm flat on my chest. (!?!?!?) Turns out he hadn’t come to greet me at all. He had come to scold me for not dressing appropriately for church! (I was wearing tailored dress slacks, a long-sleeved, collared dress shirt, and over it a pullover sweater.) My lack of a jacket & tie had prompted him to come over & call out a total stranger–a visitor in the church–based on my attire. I should have stood up & walked out right then…
“The leaders of the church are most likely to give up “their” seats, park further from the building, or do whatever is necessary to help the Body. – The greatest among you must be a servant. Matthew 23:11” -
Reserved parking spot for Sr Pastor: Seems like this is a pragmatic (in a good way) “perk” for the Sr Pastor … as much as he is in and out and out and about with his car.
Discussion
NewWould you return to this church?:
I had occasion to visit another Baptist church in my area a few years ago for a special event, at the invitation of some friends who go there. As I was walking to the front doors from the parking lot, I noticed that some spots closest to the doors had signage indicating they were reserved. “Reserved for Pastor ________; Reserved for Pastor _________; and etc. It turned out that the pastor & two assistant pastors all warranted the best parking spots in the lot. Walking into the auditorium, I headed for a pew. Someone standing nearby pounced on me: “That’s saved.” (No greeting, no introduction, just what seemed to me a rather rude way to address a complete stranger in church.) When I did sit down, an usher (he wore a nametag saying “Usher”) came toward me. I was thinking, “Well, someone is going to greet me…” As he got to me, he leaned down and firmly placed his palm flat on my chest. (!?!?!?) Turns out he hadn’t come to greet me at all. He had come to scold me for not dressing appropriately for church! (I was wearing tailored dress slacks, a long-sleeved, collared dress shirt, and over it a pullover sweater.) My lack of a jacket & tie had prompted him to come over & call out a total stranger–a visitor in the church–based on my attire. I should have stood up & walked out right then…
No, I haven’t returned there.
NewIn light of my previous comment...
…Point # 2 in this list seems apropos:
“The leaders of the church are most likely to give up “their” seats, park further from the building, or do whatever is necessary to help the Body. – The greatest among you must be a servant. Matthew 23:11” -
http://www.ronedmondson.com/2014/07/10-indications-a-church-is-making-disciples.html
NewReserved parking spot for Sr Pastor
Reserved parking spot for Sr Pastor: Seems like this is a pragmatic (in a good way) “perk” for the Sr Pastor … as much as he is in and out and out and about with his car.
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