What does this Pastor really feel about his time with his Church community on Sunday?

To be honest, there are things I hate about it. I hate it when people are selfish in their parking and seating and generally treat others poorly. I hate when people ignore guests and display a lousy mood. I hate it when people talk about themselves with no concern for others. I hate it when people don’t sing, or they talk during the sermon and act like they do not care about worship. I hate it when people run out after our time together and do not connect with anyone. I hate when the people of God do not act like Jesus.

To be fair, there are things I love about it. I love seeing people being kind, loving, and compassionate to one another. I love watching people sit at the front, welcome guests, and show kindness toward everyone. I love seeing people encourage, pray, and meet the needs of one another. I love hearing people sing the songs of faith, take notes during the message, and throw themselves into worship in every way. I love listening to people visit with each other before and after our time together. I love the people who hang around and talk to me about what they are learning and how they are growing. I love seeing people’s lives transformed by the power of Jesus. I love the people who message me with kind words, prayer requests, and questions to help their faith. I love those two or three people that I know genuinely care about my wife and me beyond our leadership in the Church.

Honestly, the list of positive things about the Church is far longer than any negative one that I could write. There are far more things to love than hate.

Do I wish the Church were perfect? Yes!

Do I love this faith community? Also YES!