An Open Letter from your Pastor

An open letter from your pastor to a distancing church member,        

My dear friend. You may not know this, but I am thinking of you often. I feel like the Lord has relentlessly been bringing you to mind. I have been feeling so very burdened for you. I have to wonder why the Lord has kept bringing you to mind?        

I have so many questions for you, I wish we could actually sit down and talk. I mean, really talk – heart-to-heart. If we could, I would want to know how you are really doing. If I am honest, I don’t think you are doing well.        

You have seemed so distant… and distancing. Whenever I reach out in some way, it is, well, cold or… guarded. When I ask you how you are you always respond as “good” – or something that is a socially acceptable answer (You know what I mean, right? Your answers are… safe. They don’t say much but yet say enough that says I’m not wanting to say more without being rude). But it feels so impersonal. I want to come closer, but I feel kept at a distance. Why, my friend? You used to come to church regularly, but now it is few and far between. Whenever I ask about your coming you always have a “good” reason. But it speaks volumes to me by your actions. I am deeply concerned. My heart is heavy for you.        

If I am honest, I really don’t know what to do. I pray, oh, my friend do I pray for you. But I don’t know what else to do. My eyes are clouded now as I type. I love you so much. Your heart matters to me. My greatest burden, the ache in my soul, is that you aren’t just distancing from me or us as a church – it is that you are distancing from the Lord. The direction of your heart is not moving toward Jesus. I believe this is true, I just don’t have anything to “prove it” if you will. Maybe I am wrong… but all the signs tell me differently. Am I wrong? Oh please tell me I am, please show me your heart is hungry for the things of God!        

I want so much for you to know Jesus and walk with Him – I want you to know how truly satisfying He is. I know you may very well be struggling. I know hardships have come. I know you are hurting. But your running from us is not going to help you, we need each other. It is a long journey – let’s run it together.        

Please, my friend, don’t leave. Don’t desert the church. Don’t run. The apostle Paul felt the pain of his friend leave at one time too (2 Tim. 4:10). His friend, Demas, was in love with the world and left Paul. Please, oh please, don’t be like Demas!

I am praying for you… I don’t know what else to do. Do I call again? What do I say to you? How can I help? I’m scared for you. I plead for you to run to Jesus. Please, call out to Him. And come home. We have arms open for you. We’re ready to throw a party. Come, come home… come to Jesus. I love you and miss you… but God so much more.

In His Grip, Pastor John