Matthew Kelley, pastor of Arlington United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, recently wrote an article about the difficult situation many pastors face on Independence Day weekend regarding just how much celebration of that national holiday is appropriate in worship. He relates an experience he had while serving as pastor of a church in a town with a military base. On a regular Lenten Sunday, not near any national holiday, a guest “sang Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American,” which includes the lyric “God bless the USA,” but otherwise makes no mention of God.” Kelley was so uncomfortable with that experience that he preached a sermon the following week in which he openly questioned if that had been an appropriate choice.
So What?
I serve a large congregation that has a staff with several clergy. While my role does not provide me many opportunities to preach, I was in the pulpit this past Sunday. My sermon explored this issue indirectly via a consideration of the proper relationship between church, culture and the Bible. It, I believe, was a contextually appropriate means of engaging the matter.
- Did your congregation’s worship service this past Sunday include any mention of America or Independence Day? If so, what specifically was done?
- Theologically do you agree or disagree with the way your congregation handled this issue this year? Explain.
- If your congregation’s choice was radically opposite from what you believe to be appropriate would you be more likely to stay home that Sunday or to speak up and voice your concern?