Hey...

How are you? I know it's been a while, but I wanted to tell you something that's been on my heart. Please don't be offended, or take this the wrong way, but I was wondering if you could maybe cool off a bit this Sunday. Before I say anything else, you need to know how much I love you, and how much you mean to me. You have been with me through some pretty rough times, and you've really pulled me through a lot, I'm the pastor here, and I've noticed it's getting difficult running things when you're hanging around. I DO NOT mean that in a bad way, at ALL, so please don't take it that way, it's just that... well, I think we have different ideas about how my church should be run. I don't really want to make people feel guilty. The last thing I want is people feeling bad. I know it's kind of your thing, and believe me, I KNOW you don't do it out of spite or anger. I know your intentions are good, but it's something I've never been comfortable with. I wouldn't have said anything, but the Petersons will be here this Sunday, and, well, I don't know any other way to put this... I'm afraid that if they meet you, they'll never come back. Honestly, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, and I'm really sorry if this makes you angry... please don't be angry. I appreciate how gracious you've always been, and your so patient, so even if this is something I need to figure out on my own, or whatever, I just would really appreciate it if you could steer clear from church this Sunday.

I don't want to make this about where we disagree on things, but I just don't think making people feel guilty about stuff helps anything, especially when it comes to introducing them to our friend Jesus. People need to feel comfortable, and once they feel comfortable, we can talk to them more, and maybe after a few months, once they see we're not much different then them, they'll maybe start asking some questions. Hopefully some of those questions will be about Jesus, and hopefully they'll be at a point in their lives when they're ready to become a friend of Jesus, and THEN, if they have questions about the bible, or anything else "Christiany" we can come to you, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't make them feel guilty. You're scaring people away from church.

I know, I KNOW how you feel about sin, I understand that. I get it. Sin is bad, and people need to know it's bad, and I know that's a big part of what you do, but why do you think it's so important to hit them with that all the time? I mean, sometimes I have to ignore you because even I start to feel guilty when you're around, and I'm the pastor! People will learn that sin is bad, and I think once they see how much Jesus loves and cares for them, it will become easier for them to slowly, and at their own pace, walk away from sin.

I know, I know. There's a lot that could be said, but I don't want to debate you, I want to make sure we're still friends, I just think... well... just maybe for a week or two... you could let me run things, since, well... I am the pastor, and it's kind of my job. Seriously, though I still love you, and you are welcome here, but just give us a little space, ok Holy Spirit, just for at least the next few weeks, and then maybe we can talk about having you back.

Much love in Christ,

Pastor Bob


And He, when He comes will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment. John 16:8