So, What's the Deal with "Woof and Worship?"

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have separated from the United Methodist Church to follow a call of God and start a non-denominational ministry called "Koinonia." As part of this ministry, we have started an outreach that we have been calling "Woof and Worship," and which has caused no end of concern for Christians in our city.

"Church for dogs?" they ask incredulously. "You are starting a worship service for dogs? What is this, a dog cult?" To which I would wearily reply, "No, that is not what we are doing." Of course, I can understand their confusion. National leaders like Albert Mohler have misunderstood similar services and commented on the same in their editorials.

So, what is "Woof and Worship" about anyway? Well, it's a concept that I stumbled upon several years ago and one that Ted Haggard promoted in his book, "Dog Training, Fly Fishing, and Sharing Christ in the 21st Century."

Here's the gist: Christianity is about relationships. And, relationships center on a common interest, whether that is family, church, hobbies, school, etc. In my experience, the best way to reach another person and introduce them to Christ is to build on an existing relationship and share from your heart into that relationship. As the Walk to Emmaus puts it, "Make a friend, Be a friend, Introduce your friend to Christ." So, if you are serious about sharing Christ with others, the first place to begin would be with those people you already have a relationship with.

As I looked around at my circle of friends and the interests that we shared, it struck me how much of my family's life revolved around dogs: dog shows, obedience training, kennel clubs, etc. In fact, my wife even began a doggy daycare/boarding facility several years ago because of her love and interest in all things canine. We had lots of friends who owned and loved dogs. We did lots of things with friends that owned and loved dogs. Hence, what better place to begin an intentional outreach that would share the love of Christ through already established relationships? Thus began Koinonia's "Woof and Worship."

My wife graciously opened up the doors of her shop to us on Sunday nights to allow us to host a small worship service for people interested in dogs. This is not "dog church," but rather a gathering of people who have an interest in dogs. The interest in dogs created the relationships in the first place -- we are simply building on that relationship and introducing our friends to the God that we serve. Remember, Christ met everyone where they were, and shared His love with them no matter what the established church leaders thought about Him or them.

The only "weird" thing about this service is that we allow the seekers and the worshipers to bring their animals with them to the service -- not to let the animals worship, but simply to accompany them and to serve as a reassuring presence for people who are uncomfortable in traditional church services. The goal is simply to introduce our friends to Christ and to introduce them to a worship service that affirms who they are and what their interests are rather than requiring them to fit into a "norm" that they felt uncomfortable with.

That is what "Woof and Worship" is all about. It's no different from the "Cowboy Churches" that have cropped up throughout the country. It's no different from a group of friends coming together around any interest (sports, hunting, fishing, etc.) and then sharing about Christ afterwards. It's not church for dogs. It's church for people who like dogs. And you are invited to attend if you are ever in Valdosta, GA, on a Sunday Night.