YES, there is much to be improved upon in the typical Baptist church, but there is far more good than bad. It is not always about YOU, it is about the impact they are having on their community and world.

Remember all those sweet senior citizen at the Friendship House in Garland. How they would pour countess hours or sweat and love into feeding people off the street?

Remember the great old men who would travel to disaster after disaster all over the US (at their own expense), and get this… they were serving in one of the deadest churches in the Baptist General Convention of Texas when we both served there.

Jeffrey Dalmer Noble… you sound bitter and arrogant. Hey, I know you.

I am the one that gave you my scooter, and I did not just give it to anyone, but one of my best friends! So, cram all the holier than thou stuff about when it is time to leave your church.

Tell all your whiny friends, to grow up and not get their panties in a wad when the pastor does not speak to them as they wish. I know a minister now that keeps his head down so he won’t trip and fall. I have been called snooty by some because I don’t speak, but the truth is I have other things on my mind like standing upright and kissing the ground with my face. You just never know ALL the story.

A church is about people who get their hands dirty and serve Jesus by serving others. All this Holy, righeous talk about when to jump ship misses the point of “blooming” where God has planted you.

I love discussions like this… Kevin Wieser

Many times, pastors feel overloaded already, and when you bring them something new to put on their plate, they may initially respond with hesitance.

Like I said, “patience, humility, and persistence.” Plug in to what is already going on and pray about what you’d like to see happen.

Jeff’s last blog post..Review: The Kneeling Christian (rated 4 stars)

When you say, “…he’s having a hard time connecting with your intentions.” What are you saying? Are you saying that he is questioning my motives for wanting to start an outreach ministry?

If you are sincerely seeking spiritual growth, know that you can grow apart from having to create a formal program at your church. Just jump into ministry in your community and neighborhood.

As a recovering Baptist myself, I think too often we try to start “programs” and all when in actuality we simply need to befriend people in our community, schools, and places of business.

As far as him nit-picking your ideas, I can’t speak to that. I don’t know him or you well enough, but it’s never fun to feel like your input is not valued. It doesn’t sound like he is throwing out the baby with the bathwater, but that he’s having a hard time “connecting” with your intentions.

I’d advise, patience, humility, and persistence. Don’t get into the habit of running from church to church, always finding fault.

Jeff’s last blog post..Review: The Kneeling Christian (rated 4 stars)