Hey Pastor… Conversations from the last few weeks
Hey pastor….
“Why haven’t you said more about racism?”
“You talk too much about racism.”
“Why didn’t you pray for George Floyd’s family?”
“Why don’t you say more about all the good cops out there?”
“You are opening the church too soon.”
“Are you fearful? Is that why you haven’t opened the church yet?”
“This quarantine is killing me; my depression is worse than ever.”
“I love the quarantine. I’m making more on unemployment than I was working,”
“If you make me wear a mask, I’m not coming to church.”
“If people aren’t wearing masks, I’m not coming to church.”
“I like watching the service in my PJ and sipping on my Folgers, I’m not coming back to church.”
“If you don’t have the nursery open, I’m not coming to church.”
“I won’t be back in church until my kids have been vaccinated for the virus.”
“Why doesn’t the denomination say more about racism? I’m considering leaving the church.”
“Too many in the denomination are supporting the ______ (fill in the political party—I’ve heard from both sides). I’m considering leaving the church.”
“You don’t preach enough about _______ (fill in the blank to whatever societal ill is out there). I’m leaving the church.”
But I’ve also had these conversations, which I like much, much better.
They have gone like this:
Hey pastor…
“Thanks for trying.”
“We appreciate the hard work of everyone at the church.”
“Let’s talk.”
“I’m with you!”
…and the words that I like to hear most of all,
“Hey, Pastor… I’m praying for you.”
