|
From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Flashing Signs”
“I don’t need church – I believe in God but I just do my own thing.” I’ve heard that statement plenty of times during my vocational career. Usually, I hear it soon after they discover (I reveal) that I’m a pastor. Sure, I hear many other comments as well (many of them are quite amusing), but this is the one that always sticks in my head.
It’s almost as if the person speaking is making an excuse for why they aren’t attending a church. I’m assuming that their statement is a defense against a possible surprise-attack invitation that I'm about to drop on them. Really, how many pastors do people randomly encounter during the day? Granted, I don’t walk around with a flashing sign that says, “Warning, I’m a pastor.” However, I wear my nametag often, which may be the reason I receive such amusing stares in the beer section of the grocery store (Mountain Dew is in that aisle, as well.)
Recently, I’ve begun to wonder how non-clergy people address the issue. When someone tells you that they don’t “do” church/religion/faith, do you have a prepared answer? Probably not. I don’t have a prepared answer, either. I’m guessing that this kind of statement is the reason most of us don’t wear flashing signs that say, “I go to church.” We don’t want to be avoided in the grocery store, treated differently in restaurants, or excluded from the fun stuff that other people enjoy.
Sure, I could be way off base, but I really think the reason we don’t reveal our involvement in church/religion/faith is that we’re afraid that people will treat us differently. I wish I could change your mind, but I can't. The truth is that claiming your church/religion/faith will absolutely change the way people treat you. However, the change isn’t a bad one. In fact, almost all the time, people’s feelings about us are very positive, even if they make a disparaging comment (which is rare).
The Fall season brings a north wind and changing temperatures. The Fall also brings new and exciting social opportunities at the Chapel (and all churches). Consider inviting someone to join you at a social event. Encourage someone to participate in one of the many Chapel outreach opportunities or invite them to shop at the Lord’s Warehouse. You don’t have to wear a flashing sign, but there are all kinds of creative, non-threatening ways to invite someone to church.
Our responsibility (yours and mine) is to joyfully receive everyone and issue the invitation. After that, it’s up to God!
I look forward to seeing you soon at the Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
| 
