- Jul 26, 2004
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I was saved in 1972, in the time what many folks today call "The Jesus Movement." Being only 19 years old at the time, I had a long way to go before I would actually be a recognizable member of any organized group; reason being, I chose to attend college as I worked part time both on and off campus.
Consequently, I had very little money to add to collections. But, I was a music major in jr. college, and a decent improvisational string bass player, so I gave that talent to the church by leading worship in place of an offering.
In fact, i was so poor, I hitchhiked to classes everyday, which always gave me opportunity to share the gospel with the drivers. Neverlthelss, as much as I would have liked to have been accepted by the more well-to-do brethren of the church, I simply was not. In fact, I was overlooked as if I was an imaginary figure.
This response was routine throughout those years. I was never asked to attend an important meeting or to discuss a church policy, or invited to share my opinion on any topic. Instead, I was simply a guy who couldn't affort to give much, and so nothing at all was asked of me.
I moved from that geographic locaton after earning my BA in Literature after which I began writing for a newspaper near Pittsburgh. For a long while, I avoided churches, even for periods lasting years. Then, about six years ago, I chose to attempt a return, and because I was able to give a tithe, I noticed how dramatically things had begun to change for me. I was beng noticed; and, in fact, I was asked to teach a Sunday morning adult class on topics assigned to me.
Any time I walked into the door, the pastor shook my hand, greeted me kindly, asked me how my week had gone, and was genuinely friendly, as were the others in his list of deacons and servers.
Nobody can tell me that money does not speak loudly. Everyone hears it, which is a part of the church world that is not at all comfortable to me. In my early days, I had much I could have given, but was overlooked because of my poverty. Not only could I play bass, but I was a bright student and academically very capable. Nevertheless, I was looked upon as being some sort of vagabond.
This is one of the several reasons why, to this day, I no longer attend a large, or even small, organized religious gathering, since it is so very religious and not at all real. How sad that our demands for successful achievers have quieted the very voices that could actually have something to contribute vocally. It's a sign of the times, really.
Dave
Consequently, I had very little money to add to collections. But, I was a music major in jr. college, and a decent improvisational string bass player, so I gave that talent to the church by leading worship in place of an offering.
In fact, i was so poor, I hitchhiked to classes everyday, which always gave me opportunity to share the gospel with the drivers. Neverlthelss, as much as I would have liked to have been accepted by the more well-to-do brethren of the church, I simply was not. In fact, I was overlooked as if I was an imaginary figure.
This response was routine throughout those years. I was never asked to attend an important meeting or to discuss a church policy, or invited to share my opinion on any topic. Instead, I was simply a guy who couldn't affort to give much, and so nothing at all was asked of me.
I moved from that geographic locaton after earning my BA in Literature after which I began writing for a newspaper near Pittsburgh. For a long while, I avoided churches, even for periods lasting years. Then, about six years ago, I chose to attempt a return, and because I was able to give a tithe, I noticed how dramatically things had begun to change for me. I was beng noticed; and, in fact, I was asked to teach a Sunday morning adult class on topics assigned to me.
Any time I walked into the door, the pastor shook my hand, greeted me kindly, asked me how my week had gone, and was genuinely friendly, as were the others in his list of deacons and servers.
Nobody can tell me that money does not speak loudly. Everyone hears it, which is a part of the church world that is not at all comfortable to me. In my early days, I had much I could have given, but was overlooked because of my poverty. Not only could I play bass, but I was a bright student and academically very capable. Nevertheless, I was looked upon as being some sort of vagabond.
This is one of the several reasons why, to this day, I no longer attend a large, or even small, organized religious gathering, since it is so very religious and not at all real. How sad that our demands for successful achievers have quieted the very voices that could actually have something to contribute vocally. It's a sign of the times, really.
Dave
