I'm not getting fed.
Its one of the most common criticisms a church hears from Christians. Usually the criticism is aimed at sermon content, so a pastor is often left questioning him or herself.
Once in a while the critique is valid, but more often than not it is an indictment of the person saying it.
an absurd example: when Lisa and I were students in college we attended and served at a local church that was full of Bible College professors and staff. The Pastor of the church was the academic dean of the college. Our Sunday school teacher (remember those?) was a Theology professor. Some people complained "I'm not getting fed."
It used to bother me when I heard that and I suppose it still stings a little, but now whenever I hear that, I ask two questions:
1) why aren't you cooking for yourself?
2) When did you stopped eating?
I love to eat but I wouldn't attempt one meal per week. One meal simply could not sustain me for all that I do during the week. Three square a day and the occasional "fourthsies" gets me through. Maybe this is why monks and nuns for years have stopped 6 times a day for prayer and reflection.
because once a week simply isn't enough.
Friday, 19 September 2008
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4 comments:
oh man. this is one of my biggest pet peeves in church. i often find myself visualizing these people in bonnets and diapers, throwing a tantrum while strapped to the highchair because they aren't "being fed". it's a serious maturity issue.
ugh. i'll get off this soapbox now. :)
Yes! You remind me of a story that's sort of relevant. A man goes to his pastor and complains that his sermons must not have enough content because even though he comes every week, he can't remember anything the pastor said the next day, much less later. "Can't you preach more memorable sermons?" Another man standing beside the first gratefully answers for the pastor. He said, "I've been married to my wife for over 40 years. In that time, she has made me three meals a day. I've eaten every one of them and been satisfied each time. But I can't tell you what I had for dinner last week, what I had for breakfast yesterday. But I can tell you that if I hadn't sat to eat, I would've starved to death."
Preach on brother. Be one meal. Be a good one. We'll dine at your table and be satisfied and use our
"food" for the good of the kingdom.
Hey dude, I totally know where you're coming from.
Our church is in the midst of a series that deals alot with spiritual practices and a few weeks ago the staff came up with this idea[http://scotthodge.typepad.com/scott/2008/09/prayer-rhythms-via-twitter.html] and it was very cool.
Check it out and I'm sure you could email if you want more details.
all i can say is, Amen!
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