Activities To Introduce The Unchurched To Jesus

[san]

Pastor Mike:

While searching the blogs today I noticed something that I found strange - "Pole Dancing For Jesus."

It's being done someplace in Texas and some of the first words the newscaster mentioned is that "God doesn't judge." Well, this activity has it's roots in strip clubs and the circus. We can do many things and proclaim it's "for Jesus." One can have the same idea and do anything that can be destructive to people, community, etc.

The lady mentioned there have been a few protestors against this. I can only imagine why. They're thinking just as I am thinking "Really?!? You're doing this to teach the word....is there not something else you can do that's a bit more toned down."

I get the idea. Maybe she will reach women who are in that lifestyle and introduce them to what it's like to live life for Jesus, but there has to be a better way. Reading it made me feel weird, and I guess I passed some judgement too. I don't think it's a good idea. I have known women who have been strippers and what I believe is once these women come to Jesus, they will no longer wish to embrace this lifestyle of stripping. Why introduce something like this as an activity to bring one to God?

[Mike Miller]

Ok, I looked into this--with my wife next to me (just want to be clear about that). First, let me explain (not defend) what's going on. This is not an evangelistic thing to reach lost people, and it's not being held at a church. One of the latest fitness fads is "pole fitness" (there's a place that holds such classes not far from our house). It's exercise classes for ladies using the kind of dancing pole that strippers use. The lady in the news report--a former stripper--has one such fitness club, and she offers one class each week for free for ladies who bring a church bulletin. She calls it "Pole Fitness for Jesus" (I think), and she plays contemporary Christian music. She also states that she is a Christian and is not teaching anyone to be a stripper. She is simply offering her fitness class for free for church-going women. In the news video, the ladies (including the instructor) were wearing the kinds of shorts and t-shirts you would see women wearing in any gym (in fact, I've seen women in co-ed gyms in much more revealing clothing).

So, first is there anything wrong with pole fitness classes? My personal opinion is that it's kind of silly because as a person fairly familiar with fitness, it seems to me that there are a lot more effective ways to get into and stay in shape. This seems gimmicky and will probably go the way of most fads before long. Sometimes stuff like this becomes popular because it seems somewhat taboo or risque, but the truth is that it's probably pretty innocuous. I don't see anything particularly overtly sinful or unbiblical in using a pole and music for fitness. But would I allow my daughter to do it? Nope. Why? Because even though I don't see direct violations of Scripture in the practice, I don't think that kind of activity is in line with the kind of modesty we desire for our daughter (and this would be an application of biblical principles of modesty). Moreover, we as Christians are to avoid even the hint of immorality, so if her taking part in such a class might be perceived badly by others, I would rather her abstain. There are lots of other ways for her to stay in shape that will not tarnish her Christian testimony.

The next question, however, is whether "Pole Fitness for Jesus" is appropriate. Again, while I don't see a direct biblical violation, I would take issue with it on the grounds that we are to present Jesus in a favorable light, and this kind of thing does not. To begin with, should Jesus in any way be affiliated with pole dancing (other than saving pole dancers)? I think someone would have a hard time making that case. In addition, even though the class is free, using Jesus' name seems to be an exploitation of His name for personal notoriety and/or gain. And finally, while the Gospel itself is scandalous, and while obeying certain biblical commands offends people, we as Christians should not willingly be scandalous or offensive when it comes to something without a biblical mandate. Surely having pole dancing classes for Christians is not such a mandate.

Please understand that I believe we need to be in the world to reach the world. And also understand that I think we need to be very careful about condemning the practices of others when they are not violating clear biblical principles (for example, I don't have a problem condemning abortion clinics because they clearly violate the biblical command not to murder). However, pole fitness for Jesus seems to be crossing a line into distaste and unnecessary offense.