To Be or Not to be a Church

The Associated Press recently reported a story about a swingers club converting into a church. A group in downtown Nashville, reportedly a swingers group, known as the Social Club sold its building and purchased a new one several miles away. In some ways, the new location is suitable; it is isolated at the end of a dead end street. However, it is near Good Pasture Christian School. When parents and Christian leaders backed a zoning change to prevent the club from opening, the club converted to a church. They call themselves The United Fellowship Center.

The plans of the United Fellowship Center are the same as those of the Social Club; but labels have changed. The dance floor is now the “sanctuary.” Two rooms formerly known as dungeon are now “choir” and “hand bells”; and 49 private rooms have become prayer rooms. They applied to the city for a permit to meet as a church; and according to their attorney, the term “church” cannot be defined.

Hopefully, the story is yet to be completed. With any luck, there may be some integrity among swingers. Still, there are several factors to be considered. Perhaps there was some heated dialogue at the meeting seeking a zoning change, and this is a “get even” slap. The Social Club had spent $750,000 to purchase the building and was in the process of remodeling their new “digs.” Some folk will do almost anything when that much money is involved. Christians must be aware that those who wish to sin are not dummies and will find a way.

Here is the big question: What should the parents and Christian leaders do now? What is a genuinely Christian response to this dilemma? Should those who are concerned do nothing? Does that admit defeat and exhibit a weak Christian witness? Should the parents and concerned Christians hire their own lawyer and fight this to the bitter end? They could easily justify their less than Christian response by saying they were doing it for the sake of the community. Should they just pray about it? The world often regards a prayer response as no response. Should some of those concerned join the United Fellowship Center and seek to make it a real church from the inside? And if they do so, does that make them spies?

Remember, the question is, “What is a genuine Christian response to this issue?” The answer is not an easy one.