“Preacher… this is a really bad idea.”
These words, spoken by a respected elder in our congregation, echoed the concerns swirling in my own mind. As someone who generally embraces bold initiatives, her caution gave me pause. She reminded me of the traditional views on tattoos and the potential for controversy within our church. She worried people might leave because of this new venture. These were valid points, yet I felt a deep conviction that this was a path we were meant to explore – a stirring I truly believed was divinely inspired.
Do you understand that people will leave our church for this?
A Bold New Expression in an Unexpected Place
The “bad idea” in question was the launch of a new ministry we called Tattoo Parlor Church. The concept was simple yet radical: to establish a tangible presence of Christ within the local tattoo parlors. We envisioned being present and available in these spaces, offering connection and community where people already gathered.
This idea arose from observing God’s work in a unique subculture within our own church community. At Wildwood United Methodist Church, where I serve as senior pastor, we have a thriving recovery community with its own dedicated worship service. I noticed a recurring theme: almost every week, members would arrive sporting fresh ink. These tattoos ranged from sports team logos and intricate lettering to portraits of loved ones and meaningful song lyrics.
While I deeply respect the human body as a divine creation, and I don’t underestimate the decision to permanently adorn it, I also hold our calling to embody Jesus’ mission to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10) with utmost seriousness. Following Christ’s incarnational approach (John 1:14), we recognized our responsibility as the body of Christ to actively pursue those who feel lost or disconnected (Luke 15:4). As Christians, we are called to engage with and transform culture for Christ, not to shy away from it. We believed that even within a tattoo parlor, there was an opportunity to connect with people and share our faith.
As Christians we are called to engage and transform the culture for Christ, not ignore it.
Grandma Gets Ink at the Tattoo Shop
Let me share a powerful story from one of our gatherings that truly illustrates the impact of Tattoo Parlor Church.
Our ministry had evolved from a simple concept into a full-fledged Bible study, complete with music, Holy Communion, all taking place within a local tattoo parlor in downtown Ocala. During the “loving and serving” phase of our outreach, we formed teams to go out into the downtown area, offering prayer and support to those experiencing homelessness.
At one particular gathering in the tattoo shop, something extraordinary happened. Not only did one of the tattoo artists accept Christ and receive Communion – a man who hadn’t stepped foot in a church since childhood – but incredibly, two of our own matriarchs, women in their 70s, decided to get their very first tattoos! They chose powerful Christian symbols: a cross and flames.
But their radical embrace of incarnation went even further. As we prayed with people and offered communion, we encountered a man with a severely infected foot wound. The smell of infection was overwhelming.
While I consider myself a dedicated disciple, in that moment, one of our 70+ year old matriarchs surpassed my own boldness.
Leadership in Action, Outside the Church Walls
As J.R. Briggs wisely said, “leadership is like a slinky going down stairs.” Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. That day, Sandra became the leader.
Hesitantly, I placed my hand on the injured man’s shoulder to offer a prayer, trying to keep a respectful distance from the visible infection. Sandra, a retired nurse, took a different approach. She knelt down to examine the infected foot closely. Immediately, she began directing our younger team members.
Within minutes, they returned from a nearby drugstore with all the necessary medical supplies. Right there on a park bench, outside the tattoo parlor, the kingdom of God was tangibly present. Sandra, on her hands and knees, cleaned and bandaged the man’s infected foot, potentially saving him from serious complications that day.
Reconsidering the “Bad Idea” of Tattoo Parlor Church
So, was Tattoo Parlor Church truly “a really bad idea?”
Did people leave our traditional church because of it? Yes, some did.
Did I receive harsh criticism and even threats from people I cared about? Yes.
Is it a risky endeavor? Absolutely!
But the crucial questions we ask in Fresh Expressions are:
Did anyone come to know Jesus as Lord through our efforts in the tattoo parlor? YES!
Did people experience Holy Communion for the first time in this unconventional setting? Yes.
Did individuals entering a tattoo shop for ink or piercings unexpectedly encounter a group of Christians holding church? Yes.
Were lives changed and potentially even saved? Indeed.
Are disciples being formed through this unique ministry within the tattoo community? Absolutely. For me, the profound rewards far outweigh the perceived risks.
So, I ask you, are fresh expressions of faith, even the seemingly risky and “bad idea” ones, truly worth pursuing? Especially when they lead us to connect with people in places like a tattoo parlor, meeting them where they are and offering hope and community?
