You may ask yourself, what exactly does a pastor do on an extended break from serving at his or her local church? I’m not sure what other pastors do, but this pastor went to church, or rather churches. It would be difficult to estimate exactly how many churches we visited during our travels. In Rome and the cities we visited across Greece, there seemed to be churches on every corner and more than a few in the buildings that lay between. If we happened upon a church and the doors were open or we could find a way in, we entered.
If we happened upon a church and the doors were open or we could find a way in, we entered.
We were blessed to visit several historic and iconic churches. In London, thanks in no small part to the guidance of my brilliant British cousin, we were able to attend Evensong services at Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. At each church, uniformed attendants ushered us into the church and helped us find seats before the service began. We took in the beautiful art and architecture and enjoyed the incredible music provided by their choirs and organists.
In Rome, we visited the hallowed halls of St. Peter’s Basilica. Again, ushers and attendants guided us into the church, alerted us to various expectations, and offered to assist guests in any way necessary to facilitate entrance and participation. By God’s good grace, we arrived just as a group of priests were offering prayers and blessings in both spoken word and song. I have no idea what they said, as it was all in Latin, but the beauty of their worship combined with the beauty of the place encouraged my soul. As we walked the streets of Rome, we happened upon dozens of smaller churches. We entered each without issue and often were invited to take a seat and take part in whatever was happening. In one church, we watched as a group of nuns sang their evening prayers. In another, we watched as a priest presided over the Eucharist (communion as we call it in Baptist churches).
One Sunday, we visited the Greek island of Santorini. Honestly, I had forgotten it was Sunday and didn’t plan to attend church that morning. I was wearing Chaco sandals, black shorts, a graphic t-shirt, and a straw fedora, fairly standard vacation attire. As we made our way down the cobblestone streets, I noticed people heading into a local church. I suddenly remembered that it was Sunday so I made my way over to the front door. As I got closer, I was greeted by a plaque that read, “THIS IS A HOLY PLACE. PLEASE ENTER QUIETLY AND PROPERLY DRESSED. NO SHORTS ALLOWED.” It was their church, so I honored their rules. Rather than going in and sitting with the other worshipers, I stood outside the front door and took in what I could. I liked the sing-song, call and response of the sermon, but I did not enjoy the experience. I felt a combination of foolish, embarrassed, and unwelcome. It was made clear that I was an outsider and that my proper place was outside the doors of the church.
I have seen the beauty and grace that is the Bride of Christ. It is my desire that others would have similarly positive and productive experiences in the church today, specifically within the church that I serve.
I hold no hard feelings towards that church. Nor do I mean to throw stones. In fact, I’m grateful for the experience. It forced me to consider what signs we may be sending, whether posted in writing or implicitly through our attitudes and actions, that make people feel unwelcome or unwanted in our church. How might we alter our approach without compromising important and deeply held convictions? On the other end of the spectrum, how might we adopt postures and practices found in churches like Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St Peter’s Basilica? How can we welcome people as honored guests into our places of worship, gently guiding them through the experience and helping them to find a place among us?
In Psalm 122:1, the psalmist writes, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.” I love the church. By God’s grace, my experiences with God’s people, while not perfect, have been positive. I have seen the beauty and grace that is the Bride of Christ. It is my desire that others would have similarly positive and productive experiences in the church today, specifically within the church that I serve. I pray that no one feels their place is outside our doors, but that all feel welcome to enter in to find rest, renewal, and redemption in Jesus. May all be glad to come into the house of the Lord at FBC Seymour.
