Leggings in Church? Changing Traditions!

Times have changed.  There was a time that you could not or would not consider wearing leggings in church.  Hats on men were not worn and lap scarves for women were required, but times have changed.  We are more concerned with making sure everyone feels welcomed so we don't talk clothing much anymore.  Then there are the people, older people who gravitate towards the changes too much.  It is like seeing your science teacher in a bikini.  It doesn't always set well. 

This blog is not to examine church dress -what is or is not appropriate, but if you will humor me for a minute, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that our churches have changed as well.  Many are high tech, they have more online presence than they do in house. We don't hold bibles as much, many choose to download and use their electronic devices.  They are still getting the word, but they can also Google questions they have about your message!  Our facility set up requires something that looks modern as to not discourage the new and upcoming converts.  Sometimes this change does not set well with the older parishioners, while the younger ones are looking for something that works for them.  So what do we do? 

 

LEGGINGS AND COLD SHOULDER TOPS

Let's talk leggings again. I admit,  I wear leggings to church.  But because I know my body type, and I understand my age... I don't wear them like a teenager.  I slip them under a dress or long top and   I only choose  the thick ones, not the see thru stuff.   I also have grown fond of 'cold shoulder' tops.  I like them for two reason, they are cute... and HOT FLASHES!  Everything is not about trying to keep up with the times, sometimes there are life changes and we adjust to survive.  It is like sleeping and putting one foot outside the covers when it gets hot... cool shoulders help with hot flashes. In the midst of all that, I still pay attention to the setting and use wisdom depending on where I am going. 

 

You may wonder what any of this has to do with the church.  Well many churches are feeling the effect of a younger demographic that wants to experience what their generation finds normal, what they find comfortable.  This includes the technology and freedoms they live with along with the environment in church that they feel they belong in.  Often as a church we have traditions and ways that don't really allow for that.
 

CHANGING BAIT

 

If we really want to evangelize and reach the next generation, we need to understand the times and the seasons. Taking time to pay attention to the needs of this generation is pertinent, after all they will be taking our places one day.  Sometimes we have to admit that the bait we're  used to is not working for this group.   We have to switch our bait to catch a different fish.   To many of us our methods are simply traditional, and traditions are hard to break in the minds of those keeping them.   If you're fishing in a particular spot with no results, is time to change your bait and tactics.   In light of the older generations in the congregation that may not like the changes, well...  honestly, we find a way to work with them, but many of them are now on social media, have cell phones and this world is really forcing all of us to adjust.  When it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ, don't forget it is really all about getting people to Jesus.  It is okay to change because our traditions are not sacred... but one thing is...

THE MESSAGE

 

I love brussel sprouts, my son does not.  In my attempt to get him to taste them, I have to do more than sauté or boil them.  They need to be hidden in the midst of something else with a really good sauce or cheese!  Depending on how important it is to me for him to try them, I will adjust my recipe to his taste, but the bottom line recipe will always include the brussel sprouts.

 

In changing times, one thing that does not change is the message.  God is the author of His word and He reveals to us what it is that He requires.  The hard thing about changing times is that it can challenge the message as much as it does the methods, but to reach people, the message must remain.  We can't afford to fill our churches with people that will never occupy heaven because of a watered down message.  How we deliver the message can change, we can add a little spice to it and make it even more palatable, but at the end it has to be the same message God gave us to give.  With my brussel sprouts, if I play my cards right, I have not only been successful at getting my son to taste them, but I  too can continue to enjoy them in a new way.

 

 

 

 

The bible talks about soul winners being wise.  We have to be like the Sons of Isscachar and know the times and the seasons, but still be able to uphold the word of God as we give it to a new generation.  If we miss the opportunity to reach the new, when the old has gone away.... there will be no harvest.