Last time my friend and I got together, I asked about the strip clubs and this is what she said:
Her eyes always, always fill with tears when we talk about it because God is SO in love with these precious women.
She said, “The women are starting to reach out more. I’ve been texting with one and getting to connect with her a bit deeper.”
We talked a bit more and she turned to me and said something that I am still rattled by.
“You know what one of them said to me last time?”
“What?”
“She said that she was so glad we come to visit them because we’re not like the other churches.”
I said, “What did she mean by that?”
She said, “Apparently other churches send them hate mail. ALL THE TIME.”
I’m sure my face turned three shades of white.
Complete shock and disbelief gripped me.
We both looked at each other and about fell into a pool of tears right there.
People — church — WHAT ARE WE DOING?!
Did we forget (or do we just sing it in songs) that Jesus was a friend of sinners?
Did we forget that it’s his kindness that leads us to repentance?
Did we forget that it is ONLY the blood of Jesus that makes us holy?
That ALL OF OUR GOOD BIBLE LOVING STUFF is like filthy rags without Him?
Jesus was UNAFRAID of walking in love to the least of the least.
Like the scum of the scum.
He walked right in, sat down and ate with sinners.
Gross, ugly sinners.
And the religious HATED HIM FOR IT.
A few years ago, I met with another pastor’s wife across the country who shared with me a similar ministry, although, after months of developing relationships with the dancers, they asked the owners a crazy question.
They asked to hold a Bible study.
IN THE STRIP CLUB.
Just for the dancers.
Surprisingly, they were given a yes.
(Something about it building morale in the employees, but whatever. It was a yes!)
So, they started leading a Bible study in the club.
But, something was missing.
And those ministering knew it.
The women they were ministering to needed to be led by a man — not because these women were incapable, but because of the damaged, skewed image they had of men. They needed to see a man who was safe — they needed a man who knew Jesus.
This woman’s husband (who was a pastor) stepped up and took on the challenge. And, for months the dancers wouldn’t even look him in the eye.
But he kept showing up…
Soon, one by one, the women met Jesus through this pastor’s humble, gentle leadership.
There were prayer sessions.
Women were set free.
And many went on to lead healthy, restored lives.
All because this group of women and this pastor were unafraid to go where God was leading them.
I’m not suggesting that we all have this calling.
I am not the Holy Spirit.
What I AM saying to you is that if Jesus were here, walking among us, wouldn’t it be just like him to walk into the most un-Christlike place (strip club or whatever) and completely freak the religious folk out?
Just a thought.
He loved then.
He loves now.
But, he can only reach as far as you and I are willing to go.
Hugs,
Anna
About the Author: Anna McCarthy is a writer/speaker who decided to set her work aside to embark on a different kind of journey: just being a Jesus follower. After a few years of doing the Christian writing and speaking thing, she decided to take her ministry out of the church and into the world. Now she’s sharing her experiences in her blog “Just a Jesus Follower.” Her daily life includes being a mom of four and a wife to a pretty cool guy. They recently took a position as youth directors for a local church and are loving it! Check out more from Anna on her website.
