Got a 'redneck' church?

With the onset of warmer weather comes the inevitable, "I forgot to put sun screen on and got a burn." Which left me with a red neck. As I was driving today I thought about the 'redneck' jokes that I've heard (maybe you know a few) and then it turned to the realities behind those jokes. And that led me to think about what a 'redneck' worship service and message might sound like. Then a semi profound thought hit me. How many people attend a 'redneck' church without realizing it? (DISCLAIMER: I'm generalizing this thought to quite a few churches I've been in, not necessarily the church I serve in right now!) I'm not just talking about a style of music like country or blue grass... but the question begs... How inwardly focused are people? Do that they think they are friendly folk in a friendly congregation when they won't approach a guest at the door to greet them (or want to tag them like deer to identify them)? How oblivious to their building and surroundings are they? Does it even phase them that people from the outside might be scared off from the deterioration they see (be it in the bathroom or the 70's paint color or the small lake that appears in the parking lot, etc.) Muisc is a whole other issue altogether!

So many questions need to be asked and reasked to drill down and get answers. In doing so it will allow them to answer the question, "Why we do what we do?", "Do we need to change?", and "Are we willing to do it?"!

I imagine in some parts of our country there are "redneck" churches complete with a guy playing spoons! But the question remains... Got a 'redneck' church?

Twittering and a Blog suggestion

I really enjoy having the chance to blog because I'm not limited to 140 characters as someone who is Twittering. I enjoy Facebook and find that I'm on that just a few times each week now that the "newness" has worn off. But as of yesterday (May 20th) I joined the Twitter revolution. A good friend of mine, Alan Chandler from Church Doctor Ministries, sent me a link to a Time article about using Twitter in church. Yes, people were actually Tweeting in church. It got me to thinking of the practical application of that in a church service. You have a question that comes to mind while the pastor is speaking on a subject and with Twitter you have the opportunity to express that and possibly get instant clarification. I could see it as a way to voice prayers and thoughts of worship to God. That thought got me thinking that God handles all our requests before we even voice them or think them. He's never overwhelmed with volume of petitions and won't go down or be down for maintenance. It's really amazing how great and awesome God is. So... you can follow me in between posts on twitter at twitter.com\lifewithlonnie

And while you are at it please take a moment to check out my friend Alan's blog. www.churchdoctalk.com
The work he and others do at Church Doctor Ministries is invaluable to the Body of Christ. Doctors diagnose and suggest treatment. They provide patient follow-up. These people are the real deal. Thanks for checking the blog! Feel free to post your thoughts on that blog page too!

Thanks and until next time... check my Twitter page!