Holiday church - 29 June 2010 |
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As Christians – perhaps especially evangelical Christians – we are not always very good at maintaining unity. This becomes evident in lots of different situations, but one example that’s particularly relevant at this time of year is when we go to church on holiday. We find ourselves in a different place, with people following traditions that differ from our own, and we don’t quite know how to handle it. The danger is that we focus simply on the differences from what we’re used to, and end up complaining about the perceived failings of our new-found holiday church:
“I didn’t much like that song.”
“Why did they have to repeat it 6 times?”
“The sermon was a bit short.”
“The notices were very long.”
“And they used a strange version of the Bible.”
Of course different churches will do things differently. But let’s keep things in perspective. After all, you’re probably only there for a couple of Sundays at most. There are many issues that ought to be hammered out at length within our regular congregation, but which can safely be left to one side when we’re occasional visitors somewhere else. If you’re able to find a Protestant church where Jesus is worshipped, why wouldn’t you be delighted to worship with them?
To my mind, if you’re able to find an evangelical church anywhere near where you’re staying on holiday (like within an hour’s drive, if you have a car), then it would be great to go along. Even if you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language very well, wouldn’t it be a great gesture of fellowship in the gospel to join with them anyway? You’ll meet them on the last day; why not get to know them in advance?
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Godliness, Minister's Blog