I have far too many thoughts for the amount of time I have to write today. In fact, I am in the early stages of writing a book based on vv. 1-9. So, yes, I have a lot of thoughts.
Many of these thoughts were triggered by my first experience being at a church where I wasn't known by the credentials of my father and grandfather (both pastors). I grew up doing ministry. For me, that was always what it meant to be part of a church. I couldn't really envision being a part of a church without being active in ministry. Then I started going to a church while attending graduate school. I was treated as a second-hand citizen, probably due to a combination of being single and being socially awkward. I received snide remarks from members. Even the well-intentioned ones acted in ways that belittled me. This church wanted to start a new ministry in an area where I had experience starting and running a similar one. I offered my services. The pastors rejected them. This left a mark on me and it still hurts to think about it.
Upon thinking about it further over the years, I have been on both sides of the favoritism scale in churches. I grew up being the favorite and receiving special treatment. I never realized this until I was on the other side.
I our churches, we need to be very careful about these things. It is hard enough for a stranger to walk into a church. How much harder is it for the stranger to be on the losing end of blatant favoritism? Will that person enter back into those doors? What type of long-term damage will be done? Are we hindering people from entering the Kingdom? For now, these are just some thoughts.
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