Acts 15 - barriers to conversion

Some people had come down from Jerusalem and told the Gentile converts that they must live like Jews, take on dietary laws and other traditions of the Jews. Paul and Barnabas strongly objected to this. God had shown many signs of power to these people just because they had repented and believed the Good News. God seemed to not discriminate. So why should man?

So there was a meeting in Jerusalem, a summit, what would later be called a synod. At this point Jerusalem was still the center of the new sect. Peter's testimony was recalled. But Luke says there was lots of debate. I assume some people were strongly emotional, voices raised, maybe even some name calling. But Paul and Barnabas stood their ground. They felt they were right. Experience and God's inspiration plus there are some Old Testament scriptures foretelling the Gentiles coming to praise the One God. They felt these scriptures were being fulfilled.

Finally James spoke. He warned of putting barriers in the way of faith. This is still good advice today. What barriers do our churches put in the way of faith? What unnecessary barriers? Circumcision and dietary laws would have been very hard on Gentiles. It would have been offensive.

What things do we put on new prospective converts that could be offensive? Language barriers? Reading barriers? Some people may not be able to afford the unwritten dress codes some churches demand. They may not own suit and tie and dress shoes. Must they get new clothes before they will be accepted?

How are our churches making an effort to reach out to prospective converts? How are we making it easier for them to fit in? Our church makes a conscious effort. Regular members are expected to dress casually. We do our service singing in English and Spanish. We are expected to greet and include newcomers. In what other ways can we be more inclusive?