Will they not say you are mad?

What would you think if you went to church, and there was a heavy metal band on the stage? The bass player has a blond mohawk. He bangs his head as he pounds his bass. Another band member "growls" into the microphone. That's church at St. John's United Methodist in Corpus Christi. The pastor and band say they started this service because they wanted a "church scene where everyone can feel welcome." I don't know about you, but I'd be extremely uncomfortable there. It puts me in mind of the Apostle Paul when he was admonishing the church about having a decent and orderly service. He said that if everyone did what they wanted, and "there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"



The heavy metal band says people don't go to church because they are judged. Translation: I don't like for my sin to be pointed out. They say that's not what church is supposed to be. But if the church doesn't talk about sin, how will anyone realize he needs a Savior?
 
Taylor Anne Burnham said she enjoys the spiritual experience she gets from the service and the music. I question whether the experience is all that spiritual. "It's life-changing to be here," she said. Yeah, I've heard that before, too. I knew of a music minister in our town who went on several mission trips, claiming each was a "life-changing" experience. Mr. Essie May and I used to kind of snicker, saying that man had had more "changes" than a baby with diarrhea. Evidently, though, the changes weren't enough. He left town after having an extra-marital affair with a married member of the church. Now he's leading the music at another church. Maybe he can invite the headbangers to perform there.
 
"Let us bang our heads in prayer." The Dallas Morning News; October 9, 2011; p. 3A.