At first glance this seems like a silly question. I know that God wants me to worship, and I ought to decide to worship based on that knowledge. In practice, many people let others make that decision on their behalf.

I've run into people who tell me that they would come to church but there are so many hypocrites in church. I've never asked anyone if they would come if I could get all the hypocrites to stay home. But once I did feel brave enough to say there's always room for one more.

Whenever we decide that we are not going to worship as long as another person does worship, we are giving that person the power to make a decision on our behalf. If I decide that I'm not going to worship as long as there are hypocrites in church, then I can't worship God unless they all stay home. I've turned the decision of whether or not I worship God over to them.

The same thing often happens when two people in a congregation have a disagreement. One might decide not to come as long as the other one does come. If I am the one making that decision, then I have given the other power in my life. In order for me to worship in my congregation, the other has to decide not to attend.

I have trouble understanding these decisions. I am a person who has decided to worship God. I am not going to let someone else make that decision for me. I refuse to wait until all the hypocrites stay home, and I refuse to wait until people I have had disagreements with decide not to come. I plan to be worshipping here for a long time, so anyone waiting until I leave before they worship again may have a long wait.

By the way, I am one of the hypocrites. I profess to believe in Jesus Christ yet there are times I do things that Jesus Christ would not approve of. Whenever a person who believes in Christ does something non-Christ like, it is hypocritical. That's called sin. I am a sinner. One of the reasons I come to church is to confess my sins. Church is where a sinner like me ought to be. Church is where a hypocrite like me ought to be.

Sometimes people can have disagreements in churches, and it is painful. I do not intend to make light of these disagreements. Still, two Christian people ought to be able to work out their differences. If two Christian people can't do that, who can?

If I avoid places where I might run into someone who disagrees with me, I limit the number of places I am able to frequent in my life. Why should I do that? My answer is that I shouldn't.

I plan to worship God. I apologize to all those who won't come if there are hypocrites present, but I am not staying away to facilitate your return. I apologize to those who may disagree with something I've said or done, but I won't limit my travels in this world to places you do not frequent.

If you can deal with me being here, I certainly can deal with you being here. In fact, I welcome you, and I invite you to worship with me. God wouldn't want me to do anything else.

I don't expect church to be a place where Holy people gather. I expect church to be a hospital for sinners. I am the pastor, but I am also one of the patients. I welcome other patients.

May the God of peace bring peace to all those who disagree in this parish. May God also shower blessing upon each and every one of you. See you in worship.

Sincerely,

Pastor Birk