Bible Question:
Should the church allow non-Christians be part of the worship ensemble, praise band ... the group that is up front during the music time? Explain your answer. I saw this on another forum and am wondering what you think. |
Bible Answer: Matthew 5:14-16: 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. What has happened to our hospitality and our desire to take in the weak and weary, the blind and dumb? If this is a clear and effective means of inviting this non-Christian into the open arms of Christ, I think it should be considered. Can one not be introduced to a church atmosphere to the end that maybe they could have the opportunity to be moved and to see what worship and praise can truly be when rendered unto God. Where else is a non-Christian to go to learn of His Savior than to a congregation that can point Him to Christ and the Word of God? If band membership is the catalyst, why deny him that? Reach out to this person rather than shunning them because they are not Christian. Appoint a proper mentor or advisor for this person and ensure they conduct themselves in a manner worthy of participating in this band. Give them proper instruction and pray that their eyes and heart may be opened and softened. And then, should this prove to be ineffective, dismiss him with an explanation of why. But at least at that point, we tried. I can remember when I wasn’t a Christian or a professing one, can’t you? I remember when I was lost and as I do recall those dreadful days, I wish so mightily that someone could have reached out to me and pointed me to Christ so much sooner that it did happen. I missed many good years serving God. One of our problems anymore it seems, is that we continually shut these people out when we are under an obligation to Christ to bring these people in and properly give them the Gospel. If the music is an attraction, let it pull this person in, at the very least take the chance to speak the Gospel and see what develops. Matthew 9:11-13: 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. At times I think we squander too many opportunities to win another to Christ. Shame on us for casting away the sick when there is even the remotest possibility of letting them see our lights shine. And how brightly Christ can make them shine and how inviting that light can be. Now I’m not in any way claiming that entertainment should replace good sound Bible preaching but it can be used in conjunction with it and be a very effective outreach. Just my thoughts for what they are worth. WOS |