wow, that was inappropriate...

During service last Sunday, We used the tune "Is Your All on the Altar." Written by Elisha A. Hoffman, this hymn is based upon Romans 12:1 (...give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him). Upon conclusion of the singing, the Field Placement Student who led service today said, "well, I guess you all can tell who chose that song!" This seemingly innocuous comment was followed up with, "I guess I have a little black in me." That was followed up by roars of laughter throughout the church. It was at this point that my future bride and I looked at each other and gasped. Said FPS went on to say, "I'd assume after singing that song, the pastor of a black church would say, 'can I get a witness?!?'"

While the song is a gospel type hymn in general, the words were written by a caucasian man (with the music written by Nolan Williams, Jr., a black baptist minister). These notes are according to the blurb at the bottom of the hymn.

I left church today feeling offended, ripped off and possibly a bit dirty. The congregation laughed uproariously at the above comment, not stopping (in my mind) for an instant to consider what I believe was the magnitude of what was said. Had my father heard me say that, I'd have gotten a lecture on the open and affirming attitude he set out to create in his church. I left a note in the friendship register, stating how offended my fiancee and I are to have experienced that sort of comedy in church.

Honestly, the minister in question called me to discuss the issue, but I have yet to return his call. I'm still trying to get my thoughts in order on this one...but, wow. Just, wow. That's something you just don't say in church.