While on vacation, I watched a recording (NACC08-W429) of Bob Russell (retired pastor of Southeast Christian Church of Louisville, which runs about 18,000 on Sunday morning) speaking on worship styles at the North American Christian Convention a few weeks ago. In it, he had a lot of good things to say to folks on all sides of “worship debates” – style, dress, etc.

One quote I absolutely loved.

Russell was orienting a new pastor to the SCC staff -

New pastor: I don’t think I can wear a suit and tie – it’s not authentic, and it feels somewhat hypocritical

BR: If you were going to meet President Bush, wouldn’t you wear a suit and tie?

NP: (pause for thought) Not if he was my father…

Russell commented that he’s still not come up with a good response to this. Needless to say, the point was made.

He did go on to say that, while you aren’t likely to find suits & ties on stage at SCC on Sunday morning, you also won’t find folks looking like they just rolled out of bed or in anything risque or suggestive. He had a number of excellent points and suggestions for leading churches through the waters of “worship wars” within minimal disruption to the body – finding a way to be respectful of the old and young, alike.