“For example, the Bible doesn’t really talk about preaching in church. What did it say? When you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a prophecy, has a tongue.” Everyone shifted uneasily in their seats. “This passage and others tell us that it is only the men who stand up and speak in church. Women should ask their fathers or husbands if they have questions. I’m talking about changes. Changes not only here on Sunday mornings, but in your life during the week. We all know how many questions women have. My Anne is always peppering me with them. We’re going to have to make time during the week to listen to those. And men, we may not always have the answers. We may have to do some personal study to find them. But you know, I believe it will build your families. I believe God knew what He was doing when He gave that instruction.”
A child asked his mommy if he could go play. Everyone heard it. Everyone looked much more willing to play than to sit through this. Scattered across the congregation were those curious persons, leaning forward to catch every word. The microphone had never been turned on. Pastor Will’s voice alone was projecting. Whether it was truly his tone or the lack of electronic alteration, his voice sounded more sincere and conversational.
“This is going to take a few months to get straight. They’re big changes. But the first changes are these: there will be no nursery service, no scheduled worship songs, and no sermon. Instead I’ll ask families to keep their children with them. Keep them from screaming and running, but beside that they’re just being kids. I expect everyone twelve and older to bring a Bible and to be willing to listen. I, as the pastor, will be the moderator, and I may sometimes have a teaching to share. Men, I encourage you to be praying during the week whether God wants you to share what He’s been teaching you. You may want to request a song. We can have our pianist or a guitarist start us out and play. That’s the great thing about hymns: they’re in the hymnal in front of you. But we can sing praise songs, too. We all know lots of those. And we can learn…” Will had been going without stopping. His excitement at the changes lit his eyes. He had a vision. But he also knew the opposition he and his congregation would face.
To God be all glory.
See index for first and additional chapters.
A child asked his mommy if he could go play. Everyone heard it. Everyone looked much more willing to play than to sit through this. Scattered across the congregation were those curious persons, leaning forward to catch every word. The microphone had never been turned on. Pastor Will’s voice alone was projecting. Whether it was truly his tone or the lack of electronic alteration, his voice sounded more sincere and conversational.
“This is going to take a few months to get straight. They’re big changes. But the first changes are these: there will be no nursery service, no scheduled worship songs, and no sermon. Instead I’ll ask families to keep their children with them. Keep them from screaming and running, but beside that they’re just being kids. I expect everyone twelve and older to bring a Bible and to be willing to listen. I, as the pastor, will be the moderator, and I may sometimes have a teaching to share. Men, I encourage you to be praying during the week whether God wants you to share what He’s been teaching you. You may want to request a song. We can have our pianist or a guitarist start us out and play. That’s the great thing about hymns: they’re in the hymnal in front of you. But we can sing praise songs, too. We all know lots of those. And we can learn…” Will had been going without stopping. His excitement at the changes lit his eyes. He had a vision. But he also knew the opposition he and his congregation would face.
To God be all glory.
See index for first and additional chapters.
Ooh, suspense! I like the "women be silent" in church part, to put it like a "male chauvinist." ;-D
ReplyDeleteIt's written well. Look forward to more!
Yes, or to be biblically accurate.
ReplyDeleteTo God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
Hmm...I like your words better. ;-P
ReplyDelete