We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced,
gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, yo no habla Ingles. We extend a special
welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford
to lose a few pounds.
We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or like our pastor
who can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just
browsing,” just woke up or just got out of jail. We don’t care if you’re
more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s
Baptism.
We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown
up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome
soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers,
vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or
still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems or you’re down
in the dumps or if you don’t like “organized religion,” we’ve been there
too.
If you blew all your offering money at the dog track, you’re welcome
here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat,
work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or because grandma is in town
and wanted to go to church.
We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We offer a special
welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion
shoved down your throat as a kid or got lost in traffic and wound up
here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding
hearts ... and you!

I think that sort of announcement will prove counter-productive. If you're welcoming all those types of people (and I'm not saying that any of them should be made to feel unwelcome should they come to church), how many of those people will actually feel comfortable there?

Instead of announcing to the world the kind of riff-raff you are willing to accept, why not pray that the Holy Spirit will send those who are open to receive Him?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Instead of announcing to the world the kind of riff-raff . . .

Un-savory people in our society. People you do not want to be associated with.

Gregory,

I found a rather more interesting definition of "riff-raff," which is the one I had in mind at the time I posted. Please accept it as the intended meaning, since it was my word choice and it expressed what I wished to say.



Originally Posted By: Urban Dictionary

Un-savory people in our society. People you do not want to be associated with.


"Unsavory" implies having lost its saltiness. Jesus talks about this. We are to be the salt of the earth, without having lost its saltiness.

Peter was accused of associating with Jesus. Peter denied Him, and swore to show he would ordinarily have been associated with a different crowd.

We are to be "in the world but not of the world."

Let not the world come into the church.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

... If the church has no strength to stand against the unsanctified, rebellious feelings of church grumblers, it is better to let church and grumblers go overboard together than lose the opportunity of saving hundreds who would make better churches, and have the elements existing within themselves of strength and union and power. {Ev 371.1}

The very best way for ministers and churches is to let this faultfinding, crooked class fall back into their own element, and pull away from the shore, launch out into the deep, and cast out the gospel net again for fish that may pay for the labor bestowed upon them. Satan exults when men and women embrace the truth who are naturally faultfinding and who will throw all the darkness and hindrance they can against the advancement of the work of God. Ministers cannot now in this important period of the work be detained to prop up men and women who see and have felt once the force of the truth. They should fasten believing Christians on Christ, who is able to hold them up and preserve them blameless unto His appearing, while they go forth to new fields of labor.-- The True Missionary, February, 1874. {Ev 371.2}

The regulation adopted by the early colonists, of permitting only members of the church to vote or to hold office in the civil government, led to most pernicious results. This measure had been accepted as a means of preserving the purity of the State, but it resulted in the corruption of the church. A profession of religion being the condition of suffrage and office-holding, many, actuated solely by motives of worldly policy, united with the church, without a change of heart. Thus the churches came to consist, to a considerable extent, of unconverted persons; and even in the ministry were those who not only held errors of doctrine, but who were ignorant of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Thus again was demonstrated the evil results, so often witnessed in the history of the church from the days of Constantine to the present, of attempting to build up the church by the aid of the State, of appealing to the secular power in support of the gospel of Him who declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] The union of the church with the State, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world. {GC88 296.4}

In every generation God has sent his servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible,—doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth, and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning. {GC88 606.1}

Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power,—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from Heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it. {GC88 606.2}

Our doors are open to anybody who wishes to attend.

Christ and the world are not in partnership. The apostle says, "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Conformity to the world will never be the means of converting the world to Christ. Christians must be entirely consecrated to God, if the church is to be efficient in its influence for good upon unbelievers. The slightest diversion from Christ is so much influence, power, and efficiency given to the enemy. The church was called into existence to counteract the influence of Satan; but as member after member of the church allows his ability and power to be diverted, one in one line and another in another line, connections are formed with the world, and the enemy of all righteousness triumphs. Almost imperceptibly the world's standard, the world's maxims and customs, are introduced into the church; and as these find room, the objectionable maxims and customs more boldly appear, and leaven the influence of the church; and Satan's devices are successful, just as he has designed they should be. In this way there is brought into the church a mixed company, a divided service. Many profess to love God, yet they are serving mammon, and bowing at worldly shrines. The world is brought into the church, but not through repentance, contrition, and conversion, but because church-members become wedded to the world; and this unholy union is the explanation of the weakness and inefficiency of the church. It is made manifest when church-members follow the maxims of the world, that spiritual discernment is gone. Where this union is preserved, contention, criticism, faultfinding, strife, and decided hatred one of another comes in among those who should be servants of Jesus Christ. {RH, August 23, 1892 par. 2}

Those who profess to be followers of Christ, should be living agencies, co-operating with heavenly intelligences; but by union with the world, the character of God's people becomes tarnished, and through amalgamation with the corrupt, the fine gold becomes dim. When worldly agencies are introduced into the church, it is evident that Satan is carrying out his devices, working through those who profess to be followers of Christ, making them ready at any time to engage with him in disheartening and discouraging those who are faithful, who would stand wholly on the Lord's side. {RH, August 23, 1892 par. 3}

I will state it more clearly, however. I am against announcing this sort of thing. I am not against welcoming anyone who should choose to attend church. I think we will do better, however, to let the Holy Spirit lead the right ones into the church.

Here is a better statement that expresses my reservations against inviting the world into the church.

Christ commits to His followers an individual work--a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel. {MH 147.4}

"Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in," is Christ's command, "that My house may be filled." He brings men into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. "Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house," He says. "When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him." "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Luke 14:23; Isaiah 58:7; Mark 16:18. Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated. {MH 147.5}

Instead of announcing to the world the kind of riff-raff you are willing to accept, why not pray that the Holy Spirit will send those who are open to receive Him?

Go out into the riff-raff, and compel them to come in," is Christ's command, "that My house may be filled."

Green, if you will permit me to slight change what EGW said, here is something to think about:

There is a difference between going and saying to someone in the world "We welcome you to our church," and saying to the world, "we welcome . . . murderers, pedophiles, etc. to our church."

The bulletin mentioned fat people. you equate them with one who has murdered another! Astounding!

The victims of a depraved appetite, goaded on by Satan's continual temptations, will seek indulgence at the expense of health and even life, and will go to the bar of God as self-murderers. ... {Con 77.1}

Thousands have indulged their perverted appetites, have eaten a good meal, as they called it, and as the result, have brought on a fever, or some other acute disease, and certain death. That was enjoyment purchased at immense cost. Yet many have done this, and these self-murderers have been eulogized by their friends and the minister, and carried directly to heaven at their death. What a thought! Gluttons in heaven! No, no; such will never enter the pearly gates of the golden city of God. Such will never be exalted to the right hand of Jesus, the precious Saviour, the suffering Man of Calvary, whose life was one of constant self-denial and sacrifice. There is a place appointed for all such among the unworthy, who can have no part in the better life, the immortal inheritance. {CD 125.3}

No Help for This Man. [THE WHITE ESTATE HAS NO FIRM DOCUMENTATION ON THE NATURE OF E'S TRANSGRESSION, BUT ARTHUR L. WHITE RECALLS HEARING HIS FATHER, W. C. WHITE, REFER TO IT AS A PARTICULARLY REVOLTING CASE OF INCEST.] It is impossible for E to be fellowshiped by the church of God. He has placed himself where he cannot be helped by the church, where he can have no communion with, nor voice in, the church. He has placed himself there in the face of light and truth. He has stubbornly chosen his own course, and refused to listen to reproof. He has followed the inclinations of his corrupt heart, has violated the holy law of God, and has disgraced the cause of present truth. {TSB 249.4}

If he repents ever so heartily, the church must let his case alone. If he goes to heaven, it must be alone, without the fellowship of the church. A standing rebuke from God and the church must ever rest upon him that the standard of morality be not lowered to the very dust.--1T 215. {TSB 250.1}

Suspension From the Church for Adulterers. Those who break the seventh commandment should be suspended from the church, and not have its fellowship nor the privileges of the house of God. Said the angel, "This is not a sin of ignorance. It is a knowing sin and will receive the awful visitation of God, whether he who commits it be old or young." {TSB 248.4}

We the Governing Board of the Anytown Seventh-day Adventist Church believe it is necessary to make as public statement as to the people whom we wish to serve in this, our community. First, as good citizens, we believe that we should comply with the statutes that govern the lives of our people. Therefore, in compliance with the antidiscrimination laws, all who wish to visit us for a lawful purpose are permitted to come on our property, enter our building and observe our services. As long as people do not act in a disruptive manner, they will not be charged with trespass.

Secondly, while all of the above are permitted entry onto our property, there are certain people whom we wish to serve and will be welcomed into our congregational services. Those we will welcome include:
People in a stable committed marital relationship.
Those in the upper 25% of the economic scale.
Those matured in their life experiences and are at least 35 years of age.
A Body Mass Index of 22 or better.
Professional musicians who have specialized in either classical or religious music.
Religious moderates who are not extreme.
People who earn their living in education, health care and banking.
The scientific literate.
Those who have published their written works.
Those who do not need cosmetic enhancement of their person.
Survivors who have conquered.
Those who eat a balanced, healthy diet.
Masters of the English language as used in the United States.
Professional artists who produce socially acceptable media.
Economic conservatives.
Political moderates.
Those who have never run for political office.
People who have personally provided community service.
Parents who have birthed no more than one child—or two per couple.

The indolent, the tobacco devotees, and liquor drinkers are many. but the truth must go to them. . . . Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in present truth must not abide alone with those who receive Christ. Christ died to save the world, and we are to work more zealously in acting our part. We are to look upon fallen humanity as our field. Evangelism page 566

Deuteronomy
23:2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
23:4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
23:5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
23:6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
23:8 The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation.

I'm back to square one--preach the truth and let the Holy Spirit convict. It is not the sort of truth I'm interested in to have us preaching that we will welcome sinners of any stripe. We have no business saying that everyone can join our church. Who's church is it? Our business is to carry out our Father's will.

the Moabite - - Hm - why is it again we have the Book of Ruth in the Bible? Why is it that Rahab the harlot, is in the line of Christ?

Green - STOP DIGGING! Your hole is deep enough!

Who said that everyone can join the church? You have been told several times in posts here that the bulletin was simply a welcome to attend. It was not about membership. It was not about leadership.

The bulletin simply invited people to attend services. There is a reason for each person who might attend. That reason just might be the leading of the Holy Spirit.

AS I have said, more than once. If I were to go back to being a congregational pastor, I would want to have every Sabbath focused on evangelism with the community at large welcome to attend.

Evangelism is one of the two missions of the Church, given by God, for End Time.

I see no problem with welcoming people to attend. But if I say, for example, "coffee drinkers are welcome to attend our church," I imply that coffee drinking is an acceptable behavior and will not be condemned in my church, don't I? Wouldn't it seem a little rude to invite the coffee drinkers and to then tell them why they shouldn't drink coffee? I think it's better to say "YOU are welcome to attend our church." I am then left with the option of teaching the health message at the church without appearing hypocritical.

A profession of religion has become popular with the world. Rulers, politicians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church as a means of securing the respect and confidence of society, and advancing their own worldly interests. Thus they seek to cover all their unrighteous transactions under a profession of Christianity. The various religious bodies, re-enforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized worldlings, make a still higher bid for popularity and patronage. Splendid churches, embellished in the most extravagant manner, are erected on popular avenues. The worshipers array themselves in costly and fashionable attire. A high salary is paid for a talented minister to entertain and attract the people. His sermons must not touch popular sins, but be made smooth and pleasing for fashionable ears. Thus fashionable sinners are enrolled on the church-records, and fashionable sins are concealed under a pretense of godliness. God looks down upon these apostate bodies, and declares them daughters of a harlot. To secure the favor and support of the great men of earth, they have broken their solemn vows of allegiance and fidelity to the King of Heaven. {4SP 234.1}

Not at all.

I am simply astounded by that position that you take.

To invite a coffee drinker to attend church is not an approval of drinking coffee. To invite such does not hinder you from telling that person that coffee drinking is not acceptable.

I feel at a loss as to how to respond to you. As I thought this I said to myself: Lord how can I respond? Instantly the story recorded in Matthew 22:1-14 flashed into my mind.

Look closely at that story: In verse 9 the servants of the king were commanded to invite anyone they could find standing on the street corner. One might call those the riff-raff. In verse 10 it is said that they invited the bad as well as the good. NOTE: I looked it up in the NIV.

Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come." Revelation 22:17. The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church. Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, "Come." {AA 110.1}

1) Would it imply to the coffee drinker, right up front as it were, that they were in an unacceptable position? I mean, let's be real, what would YOU think if you saw a bulletin announcement that said coffee drinkers, homosexuals, fat people, ugly people, people who have problems with organized religion, etc. were all invited to the church? Would you not see that the church was tacitly recognizing that these groups were ordinarily unacceptable? Would you feel truly welcome if you were in one of those categories of people?

An Affirmation of Marriage -
NAD responds to Supreme Court rulings

Numerous activities among state legislators and courts have recently been occurring in the United States concerning same-sex unions. On June 26, the United States Supreme Court ruled on two landmark decisions regarding same-sex unions.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in strengthening the family and following the biblical principles and patterns that God set forth in His Word for marriage between one man and one woman, the oldest human institution dating back to the sixth day of creation. We cannot deny the biblical pattern anymore than we can deny creation and not undermine the value and validity of the Bible as God's handbook for our lives.

Based on recent developments and decisions, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is concerned with the growing attacks on the biblical institution of marriage and feels that it is appropriate and necessary to reaffirm the stated positions of the Church as they relate to Christian marriage. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the very nature of humanity and God’s plan at creation for marriage.

We reaffirm, without hesitation, our long-standing position. As expressed in the Church's Fundamental Beliefs, "marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship."

We hold that all people, no matter of their sexual orientation, are children of God. We do not condone singling out any group for scorn and derision, let alone abuse. However, it is very clear that God's Word does not countenance a homosexual lifestyle; neither has the Christian Church throughout her 2000-year history. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the very nature of humanity and God's plan at creation for marriage.

-- Pastor Dan Jackson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America


Official voted statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
An Affirmation of Marriage