HUH? WHAT? SPEAK UP! WHAT? HUH?"

 

by Rev. Joda Collins

I make no claim that anyone else agrees with me.

     "Hello. What did you say? Huh? What? Speak up please. Okay. How is your last name spelled? What? Huh? Speak louder and directly into my ear." 

These are often the words of the person at the front of the church trying to fill out the little card that contains (when completed) the new member's name, address, date of birth, email address, names and ages of family members, next of kin, last four numbers of their social security and whatever other information the pastor thinks is needed -- and all done during the rush of the brief few minutes of the congregational signing of the invitation song while the preacher speaks over the signing inviting people to "Come forward!"

     With all of that going on the prospect speaks quietly in an effort not to talk over the singing. Plus, he or she knows it is rude to talk while the congregation is singing so is hesitant to do so, especially loudly.

     This procedure is uncomfortable for the prospect and the information-taker. It isn't decent, it isn't orderly and it is not kind. It is a violation of scripture.

     "Let all things be done decency and in an orderly manner." (1 Corinthians 14:40.)

     The Devil wants to harm the Church. Why should we make it easier for him?

     If your church does that thing where the poor timid, respectful prospect is told to talk louder than the congregation singing and speaking of the Pastor, while the info-taker puts his ear on the mouth of the speaker and gazes at the prospect with that confused look, I ask you this - how come?