Transparent Christian Magazine

A few years ago, I was golfing with a pastor friend of mine, and we were paired with two guys we didn’t know. If you have ever golfed (even once) you will understand that swearing and golf can easily go hand in hand, and these players cussed like sailors.  After 3 holes, the obligatory ‘what do you do for a living’ question came up.  My friend said “I pastor a small church in town”.

Their faces turned white and then red as they thought about their expletives, but my friend took it all in stride.  When they apologized for their language, he said “no problem” and made a light hearted crack about not being the ‘swearing police’. They changed their language for the rest of the round and we all got pretty chummy by the end of the game… I believe it was the calm, non-judgment filled demeanor of my pastor that lead to one of the men pulling him aside to ask him for some advice.  The other one asked about service times.

I thought that the way my pastor handled this exchange was a good way to show God’s love to someone.  Opening up a dialog, allowing someone to reflect on their behavior and being available if they want to talk is a great way to minister.

My pastor friend understands (and helped to teach me) that “church” is NOT what happens for an hour on Sunday mornings, but a general term that ‘takes place’ wherever you are, if you listen and allow yourself to be available.

I thought about this the other day, when a co-worker said “I wonder what you are like at church” he doesn’t attend church and has some opinions of what ‘church people’ are like (both inside and outside of the church walls).  I smiled and said “I’m just like I am at work.”  I asked him if he thought that when I walking into the church lobby, I started calling everyone ‘brother’ and spouting out bible verses.  We both laughed.

What my co-worker doesn’t know yet, is that I view my interactions with work, family, friendships, and generally the world around me as one big church, and I strive to be worthy of that thought process.  The hour or so that I am at church on Sunday is an opportunity to build relationships and get a bit more ammo for my week.

Jason

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
St. Francis of Assisi