Daniel Lupton, in his book I Like Church But… tells the story of a formal church in a Midwestern college town. The people dressed elegantly and loved the great hymns of the faith that flowed from the pipe organ. Their standards of appearance and formality were deeply ingrained in the culture of the church. Every September, the church’s attendance increased dramatically by an influx of college students. On one particular September Sunday morning, the sanctuary was almost completely filled. The ushers had to help people find what little seating remained available. 

Ten minutes after the service began, a freshman walked through the foyer. He was scandalously dressed in sandals, shorts and a t-shirt. As a startled usher handed him a bulletin, the strange visitor replied, “Thanks, bro.” As he pushed through the ushers and made his way down the center aisle during a hymn, people stared, but no one made an effort to scoot over and let him have a seat. Finally, he arrived at the front, still without a seat. So, he just sat down cross-legged, right there in the middle aisle by the first pew! 

Gasps were heard all over the sanctuary. The organist lost her place. The song leader started the first verse all over again! About that time, Deacon Oakly, a stately senior church member began making his way down the aisle. Everyone thought, “Thank the Lord, for Deacon Oakly, he’ll take care of this rude young man.” The deacon was resplendently dressed in a beautiful navy blue suit and a colorful silk tie. He ambled down to the young man on his cane and to the further shock of the congregation, slowly lowered himself to the carpet beside the young visitor. Placing his cane across his lap, he extended a hand to the freshman and said, “I’m Deacon Oakly, welcome to our church.” This is a very convicting story…