This is Ministry

This conversation happened Wednesday while hanging out a pool with 15 junior high students, 5 high school students and 4 leaders.

High School Girls: Sara, let's go to the beach next Wednesday!
Me: I can't I will be out of town.
Another Leaders: I will be out of town, too.
(High schoolers get a look of bewilderment on their faces)
High School Girl: You mean you have lives?
High School Girl 2: You have friends that aren't us?

This is what I do for a living, folks...

A Letter to Baptists

Dear Baptists,

I love you my baptist brothers and sisters. In fact, I am still one of you (although I do consider myself Presbyterian and have for awhile...I am currently becoming a member). I appreciate my Baptist upbringing. I do, however, have a question for you. Why all the clapping? I mean it is a little over excessive isn't it? Last week I was at a conference and you all clapped a lot. And at unnecessary places. Are you really that excited about 2+2=4 and about that break in between songs? The enthusiasm is appreciated, it is and I could feel your excitement rising as you were unable to hold you hands at your sides. But I just don't understand. It was too much, really it was. You were unable to go without applause for five minutes and it was distracting-at least to me. So my question is why. What are your standards for this clapping? What prompts your applause? Any insight will be helpful. And until then, do you think you could hold it down a bit so I could hear the words of the song or the sermon? Thanks.


Sincerely,

A non-clapper

For the Record

Just so we are clear saying "you are loved and appreciated" is not the same thing as saying "I love you and appreciate you."