Why do Baptists have to sit on the back row?

(It’s guest post Friday! Here’s one from Whiteney Sparks. You can check out her blog here.  You can also follow her on Twitter.  If you want to write a guest post for SCL, here’s how!)

I have been in a Baptist church my entire life and have always heard the term “Back Row Baptists.”  I have even accused people who sit in the back of being “Back Row Baptists.”

So why are Baptists the only ones who get picked on for where they sit in church?

I mean, when you walk into a Methodist church, do they accuse people of being “Middle Row Methodists?”

Is there such a thing as ”Front Pew Presbyterians?”

What about “Left-Sided Lutherans?”

Have you ever heard of the “Choir Loft Church of Christs?”

Or “Center Row Catholics?”

We could play this game all day!

Why do people care where we sit? Granted, sitting in the same seat every Sunday is practically the 12th commandment. (Journalling is the 11th) And didn’t the disciples argue over who would sit at the right hand of Christ? At least we have some New Testament precedent. But do people say this because ”Back Row Baptists” sounds really catchy, or is somebody trying to imply something?

I would like to state for the record, that I do not sit in the back row of our church! I sit more like on the 5th row on the right side. So there!

When you hear the term “Back Row Baptists,” just remember that it does not apply to all of us out there.

But, okay, I have to stop here and admit something. I’m not being completely honest, and I want to make sure that I am building your trust so I will retract that statement.

I have sat on the back row! Oh my goodness! I would be considered a Back Row Baptist….bless my heart!

There are several coloring books and crayons on our back pew, and I only sit there when my children have a hard time listening during the service.

I do not color! Ever! That would just be wrong, even though God made the rainbow. Even though I love coloring and maybe outlined something for my child like one time. I would never sit on the back just to color. Never!

All right, Baptists, admit it…are you a Back Row Baptist?  If you’re not a Baptist, have you ever used the term “Back Row Baptists?”

For more great writing from Whitney, check out her blog!