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From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Old and Cold”
Are you curious? Am I talking about you? Actually, I’m just using “Old and Cold” to try and get your attention so that I can talk about churchy stuff. Some people may think that it’s not fair (or even ethical) for a pastor to use gimmicks or punchlines to attract attention. I disagree.
I think it’s especially fair for me to try and get someone’s attention in any manner I see fit.
Why? Because people do unfair things to me (and the Church) all the time. For instance, can you imagine the number of times I hear people say that they’re going to see me at church
(in-person or online) next week? A lot. Would you like to know how often they follow through with their promises of attending worship? Not often.
Oh, but don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt my feelings. I remember my church experiences (or lack thereof) when I was much younger and long before my pastoral days. I tended to feel guilty about not attending and even worse about not giving to the Church. I didn’t like those feelings but they’re feelings that make sense to me. I already felt guilty enough, so I didn’t need someone (or something) to make me feel worse about it.
Sure, I want people to attend. However, I recognize that there’s always someone present who is attending out of guilt. Whether it’s the special person in their lives, a grandma who pays the bills, or a best friend who won’t quit nagging them about it, those who attend church (and church events) because of guilt are always special to me because I get it.
Don’t worry. I won’t get a big head just because I’m so smart regarding people who attend church because of guilt. Instead, I’ve carried guilt around long enough to know what it tastes, smells, and feels like. I’ve been there…a lot. Actually, I still fall back into the bottomless barrel of guilt. But rest assured, God doesn’t mind. God cares so much that God would rather we attend out of guilt than skip out entirely.
I know ALL the excuses and I’ve used them ALL. You might prefer to use another reason, but for me, guilt is the big one. I’ve tried to reach the bottom of the guilt barrel so often that I’ve discovered there is no bottom to that one. I may have begun this little article with
“Old and Cold” to get your attention, but I really should have called it, “The Bottomless Barrel of Guilt”. I didn’t use that title because I didn’t think you’d read this. Especially if you’re like me and carry those feelings of guilt around in a dilapidated handbag, you don’t want to hear more about it. I understand that very well, so instead of making you feel worse, I just want to invite you to the Chapel.
Come to an event. Attend worship once or twice. Attending online is fine, but if you’re within reach of us, please attend in person. Nothing can replace a live experience, and I’m confident enough in the people of the Chapel to know that you will be welcomed, loved, and encouraged to return.
It ain’t about your money. It ain’t even about your pretty face. It’s about who you are.
Since God loves you so much, we’d like to experience some of it ourselves. We’re selfish, greedy, and guilty as charged.
Come to the Chapel, SOON! No guilt…we just know you’re special!
See you at the Chapel!
Brock
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