On Entertainment and the House of God

Dear Pastor,

In my first letter I wrote about Heaven, Hell and Here. My last correspondence was on Merchandising in the House of God. Weighing on my heart this week is Entertainment and the House of God.

Since I began attending this church (a little over a year ago), I must say I have been really inspired by the messages. The social interventions are remarkable and the growth in our youth population is commendable. But I am also often very distracted.

When preparing for service on Sundays, I have to remind myself I am going to worship God not for a show. From Friday I find myself thinking of what to wear. The dress sense of our congregation is pretty high; I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, it is what it is and I don’t want anyone looking down on me so I budget for good outfits for church.

Again, as a bachelor, I am on the lookout for what my mum calls ‘wife material’ in church. However, when I see how many of the young ladies seem to have a penchant for designer labels, I wonder if I am looking in the right place. Again, the way some of the women dress is disturbing – sometimes, just as I am trying to concentrate, a voluptuous young lady brushes past me in a body- hugging, brief outfit or with her cleavage exposed. Then the hairstyles; varying lengths, colours and textures merit special mention. It all sometimes seems like one big fashion parade or a reality show. I understand that God accepts people as they are but just as there is protocol for appearing before Kings, Presidents or Judges, should there not be one for coming before God?

I think it would be helpful for us to have guidelines for dressing adhered to by (at least) the ushers, choristers and other church workers. This way a standard is established.

Again, there is the music. Much as it is uplifting, every now and then I find myself wondering whether I am there to worship God or for entertainment? Recently, I watched a YouTube video by one Apostle Joshua Selma from Zaria. He spoke passionately on ‘Secrets of The Kingdom (1)’. Referring to worship, he kept repeating ‘This is not entertainment’. He said worship is not something we do to while away time until the sermon begins, it should actually be a demonstration of our reverence for our Creator.

Pastor, it may be a good idea to have the choir stand on the same level as the congregation (rather than on stage), with their backs to the congregation but facing the altar. That way we can all focus on God rather than be carried away by the pretty and handsome faces, beautiful attires and great dance steps.

When I was a child, attending the Anglican church, the choir always wore a robe and those ushering a simple ‘usher’ sash over their regular clothes. I have reasoned that apart from reduce distraction, this practice would save cost. From the way our choristers and ushers come out kitted Sunday after Sunday, I am sure that a considerable amount of time, effort and resources go into preparation.

Then there are those big screens in church. They come in useful but are also pretty disruptive as they zoom into congregants from time to time. Could we limit the use of this device to just show the pulpit, the lyrics of the songs, the scriptures being read and announcements.

Finally, Pastor, is the romance between the church and celebrities. Most of these folks live less than exemplary Christian lives and yet they receive special attention when they turn up in church. Is it scriptural to honour such people? Again, one moment these influencers are making announcements or acting as comperes for a church event and the next they are showing unwholesome videos and photos on their social media platforms, advertising alcohol on billboards or playing a role on Big Brother Africa. Yet the Bible says:

‘Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. “For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.’ 1 John 2:15-17

Sir, in addition to the good works our church is doing, I hope we can take measures to return some level of reverence to the house of God and to worship. I believe we would see considerable lifestyle improvement amongst our members and consequently a better representative of Christ outside church.

Sir, I’m just a young man bearing his heart to his pastor. Warm regards, Yusuf Chika Idowu Koko Kalango is author, Colours of Life devotional. She may be reached at contact@coloursoflife.org or on Instagram @ koko.kalango