blogONEPersonally, I find issues with having “Poker Night” at the church, either as a random gathering or an official fellowship gathering. I had a huge, lengthly argument/discussion with one of the fellowship leaders about this matter, and I don’t want to start it up with anyone else, simply because this is my opinion.
And so I basically ended my discussion with this sarcastic remark/question:
Why not have a poker tournament/ministry for the community?
Surely, if poker was just a harmless game that builds relationships; gives us a chance to bring the gospel to those who have never heard of it; is simply a game of logic; does nobody any harm; and is simply a game (yeah, I restated), churches would be flinging their doors open and inviting their friends in the community into their church halls “to do God’s work”! The Chinese congregation could have a mahjong ministry for the elderly and Chinese-speaking friends! Keep in mind we’re still playing with chips for both of these activities. And don’t give me that stuff about how Las Vegas has churches which accept chip donations.
I’m sure there are bigger issues I could spend my time thinking about, but my issue ISN’T something that dwells along the line of Christians being “holier than thou” when in reality they are “just like thou”. My issue is LOCATION of where we choose to be just like everyone else. Which totally brings into discussion, why don’t we just be the same everywhere…and have poker at church. For fun. Because we’re no different at all. Oh, because we’re no different at all?