While we have had people not stay at Origins, we haven't had many people leave. When I read this post I was overcome with gratefulness for us having such an amazing core team that launched Origins and many more that have come and joined Jesus' mission and vision with us. God has brought some from other Churches drawn to our mission and others who have been reached as a result of our mission but regardless most come and pick up a gun immediately and get in the war, they don't spend a great deal of time creating lists about what they like and don't like they get excited about adults accepting Christ almost weekly and work hard to increase our effectiveness.
I know that there were probably many Pastors out there who read Pastor Perry's post with sadness because of the memories his words evoked of conversations they have had. While we have had our fair share of difficulties and some have considered and even prayed about leaving I am grateful to say that most of them refused to take that easy route, but instead dug in deeper to make us better as a Church in the areas that we were struggling in. I believe this is one of the main reasons why God has brought so many people who were unchurched and didn't know Jesus and we have been able to see them accept Christ this year. It takes courage and humilty to put your conveniences and preferences behind the mission, and that has been what I have seen this amazing group of OCers do from day 1. Sometimes I hear about other Churches that have facilities and resources that God has yet to provide us with and rather than being discouraged I am encouraged that the people that God has called to Origins aren't drawn to facilities and resources as much as vision and mission.
With all that said I wanted to repost Perry's post as a tribute to all of you great OCers who have endured through the backyards, parks, dirty gyms with no heat or sannitary bathrooms, conference centers, only meeting a couple times a month, horrible communication, location changes with short notice, creepy dark windows, a million UFC references and illustrations, male assessories, service time changes, not being able to get ahold of me cause I was working a daycare, crazy hair, Mr. T videos, Kanye West intro's, very, very, very, loud music, well the list could go on and on but you get the point. So, please know that you are all very appreciated.
What They REALLY Mean…
One of the lessons I’ve learned while being in the ministry for the past 17 years is sometimes what people say isn’t exactly true…things such as…
(WARNING…you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots” because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience. If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that the church needs my money, reducing you to a mere preaching whore…one who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks, even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember, it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get a smile out of this. :-)
