I don't think I've ever been a part of a church that's required formal membership. Most of my church experiences have been with churches that roughly approximate membership by general numbers, and allow people to decide for themselves whether they consider themselves members of the church or are just visiting. Some people jump right in and consider themselves members after a few weeks, and others can go for months before considering themselves a part of the church. Everyone's different, I suppose!
Thanks for your comment. The church referred to was Southern Baptist. I was thinking more in general terms. I myself like wearing jeans and when I was younger shorts. However just as the church was far more formal years ago it is now often dressed down a lot. Pastors and deacons should not overly care what people think but while dress should never be overly emphasized, they should respect their position of servanthood. This is why I think the more formal pastors should dress down occasionally and those who always dress down should consider more formality.
You didn't say what denomination you were, but maybe it doesn't matter. I attend a United Methodist church that has lay folks help with the elements. I've never really noticed what they were wearing. It didn't make any different to the congregation whether they wore suits or casual. I grew up Catholic and my wife is Lutheran, and those giving the elements always wore vestments of some sort.
I admit that just because something has Eastern or mystic roots does not make it evil and yes a lot depends on teachers of such arts. However. So much of them like yoga is actually Eastern mystical practice and worship. the importance of understanding where such items are based is important because of the dangers to suffocating ones first love which should be Christ. It is not coincidence that individuals involved in such practices often have an extra amount of messed up in their lives. Satan is a counterfeiter and if he can't dominate our senses through something like lust or more obvious addiction why not through hidden sensuality or even hidden homage to pagan deities?
I don't think I've ever associated yoga, martial arts, dancing, or healthcare with evil. Some of those things definitely have their roots in Eastern culture, but I don't know that I believe that equates to something being evil. Although I suppose, like with most things, evil is more about the intention behind its use rather than the thing itself...
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