One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin.
\nAlthough the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt, and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand, he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn-out Bible.<\/p>\n
The church he entered was in a very upscale part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The other people in the congregation were all wearing upscale, expensive clothing.<\/p>\n
As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were appalled at his appearance and didn\u2019t attempt to hide it.<\/p>\n
As the old cowboy was leaving the church after the service, the preacher went up to him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. \u201cBefore you come back in here, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship.\u201d<\/p>\n
The old cowboy assured the preacher he would. But the next Sunday, he was wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again, he was completely shunned and ignored.<\/p>\n
After the service, the preacher again went over to the man and said, \u201cI thought I asked you to speak to God about your attire before you came back to our church.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did,\u201d replied the old cowboy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what did God tell you the proper attire would be for worshiping here?\u201d asked the preacher.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, sir,` the cowboy replied, `God told me He didn\u2019t have a clue what I should wear because He\u2019d never been in this church.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nIn an Anglican church, each service begins with a greeting.
\nThe officiating clergyman says, \u201cThe Lord be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The congregation used to respond by saying, \u201cAnd with thy spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
But, with the modernizing of the liturgy, the minister now says, \u201cThe Lord be with you,\u201d and everyone responds with, \u201cAnd also with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
One Sunday a visiting bishop went to a church where the sound system was known to be old and unreliable.<\/p>\n
As he approached the microphone, he tapped it several times and finally said, \u201cThere\u2019s something wrong with this!\u201d<\/p>\n
Without hesitation, the whole congregation answered faithfully, \u201cAnd also with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nDown in the south, there are many churches known as \u201canswer back\u201d churches.
\nWhen the preacher says something, the congregation naturally replies.<\/p>\n
One Sunday, a preacher was speaking on what it would take for the church to become better.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cIf this church is to become better, it must take up it\u2019s bed, and walk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The congregation said, \u201cLet it walk, Preacher, let it walk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encouraged by their response, he went further, \u201cIf this church is going to become better, it will have to throw aside it\u2019s hindrances and run!\u201d<\/p>\n
The congregation replied, \u201cLet it run, preacher, let it run!\u201d<\/p>\n
Now really into his message, he spoke stronger.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this church really wants to become great, it will have to take up it\u2019s wings and fly!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet it fly, Preacher, let it fly!\u201d the congregation shouts.<\/p>\n
The Preacher gets louder, \u201cIf this church is going to fly, it will cost money!\u201d<\/p>\n
The congregation replied, \u201cLet it walk, Preacher, let it walk.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt, and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand, he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn-out Bible. The church…<\/p>\n