I've participated in feetwashing services most of my life and led more than a few of them while pastoring in four congregations over 28 years. In addition to the annual Maundy Thursday observance (note: the word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "mandate" or "commandment), feetwashing services were also held at special times during the year, including annual denominational meetings. John 13 was always read as a reminder of Jesus' example. The "oughtness" of His words in verse 14 are taken literally as something we actually do as a reminder of the servant attitude we should have as followers of Jesus.
Years ago when I did my M.A. at Olivet Nazarene University, I selected the topic "The History and Practice of Feetwashing" for my research thesis. While this practice may seem odd to many people, several Christian groups still practice feetwashing as a religious rite or ordinance of their church, mostly on Maundy Thursday. There's nothing like kneeling in front of a fellow believer and washing their feet to remind us of the proper attitude we should always have towards others. I recall how an older neighboring pastor in southern Illinois preceded all church business meetings with feetwashing. He said it improved the spirit of the meetings! In an ego-driven world, the virtue of humility needs demonstrations as well as verbal reminders.
Following my morning presentation on missions, the Campo Grande worship space was prepared for feetwashing with two circles of chairs. It is typical for men and women to be separated for this practice. There were approximately 25 men and 12 women present. One basin and a towel were placed in the center of each circle. Following some explanation by Pastor Samuel from the John 13 passage, we commenced the ordinance in typical fashion—around the circle where we were seated. Then I noticed that in the adjacent women's circle, some of them had gone to other women (besides the person next to them) to wash their feet. When the men completed the circle, Pastor Jimenez announced that we could wash the feet of anyone else in the group as an act of our appreciation for them. In turn, a couple of the men washed their pastor’s feet. Some men washed missionary Gordon Avey’s feet in recognition for his years of servant leadership and blessing to their church.
Religious practices--even those done only once a year--can easily become routine. We do them the same way each time with little variation. I thank God for allowing me to experience different cultures where more freedom is permitted than is found typically in my home culture. We in the USA need to learn from other cultures! I thank God for my Brazilian brethren who provided an unforgettable image that will forever accompany my feetwashing experiences.
