Comfy with idea, Findlay church to hold 2nd Pajama Pants Sunday

The Rev. L.D. Roessler, pastor of Blanchard Avenue Pentecostal Church of God, Findlay, Ohio. Enlarge

FINDLAY -- A few years ago, the Rev. L.D. Roessler looked out from the pulpit and came to a startling realization: "I was the most overdressed person in our church," he said.

So the pastor of Blanchard Avenue Pentecostal Church of God started dressing more casually for Sunday services.

And on Sunday, he and his congregation will take their casual dress code to an extreme as the church celebrates its second annual "Pajama Pants Sunday."

"I've always told my church that if all you can do is come to church in your pajamas, it's all right. You're welcome here. We can't help you if you're not here," Mr. Roessler said.

Last year, just for fun and to celebrate the pastor's 50th birthday in January, the congregation decided to take Mr. Roessler at his word and organized Blanchard Avenue's first Pajama Pants Sunday.

"We had a great day," Mr. Roessler said, adding that there is a serious side to the humorous event: Getting people to church.

"It was interesting because we had visitors who came that Sunday in their pajamas and they made a commitment to Christ," he said. "Then people were asking, 'Hey, when are we going to do the Pajama Pants Sunday again?' And I thought, 'Why not?' "

Blanchard Avenue, which has about 150 members and an average attendance of 120, frequently holds outreaches to the community, including gospel concerts, back-to-school bashes, and revivals.

"I'm not going for people in other congregations. I'm going for people who do not have a church," Mr. Roessler said. "That is our mission, to reach the lost. That is where our focus is, reaching those who do not know Christ. Sometimes we need to think out of the box -- as long as it doesn't compromise our integrity or morals, or go against the Bible."

On Pajama Pants Sunday, the church will award prizes to people wearing the funniest or most creative slippers.

Mr. Roessler said he trusts that people will not dress in sleepwear that is too revealing or otherwise inappropriate.

"People know that they're going to church," he said.

Mr. Roessler and his wife, Rhonda, have been in ministry for 30 years and have been pastors of Blanchard Avenue Pentecostal Church of God since May, 2005.

The church, at 1701 Blanchard Ave., Findlay, is affiliated with the Pentecostal Church of God based in Joplin, Mo. More information is available by calling 419-422-0037 or online at bapcg.com.

-- David Yonke