While it's a cute cartoon, it strikes a chord with me. I wonder if his
pastor would search for him if he only gave $500 or even $100 a year? What if
all he could afford was $1 a year? Some churches get so wrapped up in the
finances that they fail to remember that they are supposed to love everyone.
Regardless of how much that person contributes to the pastor's salary.
Now please don't get me wrong. I know that a church needs money to help
others in the world. I believe a pastor's family should be taken well care of by
his congregation. I believe everyone should give what they can, to the church in
tithes and offerings. I just don't believe a person should be judged by the
amount they are able/willing to give a church.
My pastor is an amazing pastor. He works very hard through his business. He
works very hard with and for his family. He takes care of the congregation
through sermons and helping those who need it. I have no idea how much he gets
paid or even if he does at this point because we are such a small church.
However, what I do know is that he serves faithfully each time we meet as well
as the needs we have throughout the week. I am blessed to be part of his flock.
I have finally found love from a pastor. He has taken care of my family. He
loves my family and treats us like we are HIS family.
I will admit that I went into this church with a huge chip on my shoulder.
Church had never been kind to me. I never really fit in at any of the churches I
went too. Growing up, my mom had issues because our pastor had left while my
grandmother was terribly sick. He went on vacation and wasn't there to preach
her funeral. The next church I went to was a good church but I just didn't fit
in. The next one was where I met my husband, where all of my children were
dedicated. It was the church I was attending when my mom passed away. John and I
were a young couple who had five kids and very little money. We gave, but not to
the capacity of others. When we left that church our pastor or his staff didn't
know my children's names even though he had dedicated all off them.
When we found OUR church we had been searching for "home" for about six
months. I fully expected our (now) pastor to be just like the others. But he
isn't. He is loving. He welcomes my children into worship service. He doesn't
believe that children should be separated from their parents where they aren't
seen OR heard. He has taken us in and treated us the way a pastor should. I am
so thankful that God brought us to this place of healing.
I understand it takes all kinds. Some people don't mind a pastor who is out
of touch with his congregation. For my family, though, we desire that closeness
with our church family. When my husband was sick, earlier this year, our church
family took care of us. They visited my husband in the hospital. They brought
meals to us once he was home. They really take care of each other. They have
restored my faith in the human church. Today, I can say with absolute certainty
that if I were lost, my pastor would be looking for me and give all he had to
find me. It's a great feeling to be home.
Blessings,
Mama
