Blog comments are a lot like yard sales, everyone puts in their two pennies.
(no?)
Blog comments are like yoga classes. It’s easier when no one knows your name.
(how about…?)
Blog comments are like crack. Writers lick lips, cry, and/or squeal at the sight.
(I tried. I’d like to see you come up with a blog comment joke!)
Getting Freshly Pressed was a big deal, but that sense of accomplishment didn’t even come close to the affirmation I received from the commentators of my last post, Professional Christians (and Other Oxymorons).
In that post, I spoke of my (and many others) discomfort over the some of the Church’s spending habits. I also shared my distaste for full-time, salaried positions—taking a stance but also looking for feedback and alternate perspectives.
The post came out fine. Sometimes I can clearly articulate the feuding religious thoughts in my head, other times not so much. Truth be told, it was the response of my reader community that made the experience so rewarding; I was absolutely floored by the vibrancy and the willingness people had to speak on such a tough topic.
Hey everyone, thanks for sharing, relating, and arguing. It means a lot.
Most readers were nice and understood the idea of a friendly, academic argument. There’s always that one unnecessary, negative comment that sticks; with each post, I think, I’m growing a thicker skin.
Here’s some highlights:
-Regarding comfortable, salaried positions, people on both sides of the argument used the Bible—and Paul—to authenticate their position.
-I heard from an Atheist, a Mormon, a Vicar, a pastor’s kid, retired/former ministers, to name a few.
-I was praised, insulted, exhorted, and challenged.
-Anna from http://cannopener.wordpress.com/ gave an interesting comment about the connection between the apostle’s reaction to the pouring perfume on Jesus’ feet and my reaction to the church’s spending problem. I’m glad she brought it up; I think I might write a post about this in the near future.
A few stand-out quotes:
“I have to say that spending time on a Sunday with a cup of coffee, my kids safe in a bright, clean nursery, in a comfy chair really is something I crave, it has filled my tanks and made me excited to go to a church.” From http://thesisterslice.com/
“Go out and build yourself a great church. Then when people start complaining at you, you’ll have some context for what you wrote here.” Brian from http://www.fromnoahtohercules.com/
“Your post is part of the reason that I am Atheist. “Give us money so we can pray for the poor!”. Umm, what? Never makes sense…” Chuck from http://crowrath.wordpress.com/
“I’m tired of the “presentation.” Tired of the “show.”… I simply want a church that provides a place for community and truly helps believers.” http://cognicide.wordpress.com/
“I come from a family of “professional” ministers. I’ve seen first hand just how taxing a job the pastorate can be, mentally, emotionally, even physically. I can tell you, it’s worth a salary…” Ian from http://churchified.wordpress.com/
“The full-time salaried, sit at Starbucks, read books and be on social media promoting yourself,/your service/your church./your good deeds pastor is nowhere to be found in Scripture.” BL from http://brianlen.wordpress.com/
“I was already fully committed to following God and trying to make a difference in the world in my previous job, but now I’m able to give all of my time and energy to facilitating that happening at the church I lead… ” Andy from http://baldvicar.wordpress.com/
Today’s featured image is a drawing by my friend, Bernadette. Click the link to see her other great work! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernadettes-Art-Photography/196062867074019
The Number Kevin 
You are clearly fostering fruitful dialogue within and beyond the church. Keep up the good work.
Glad to make the highlight reel 🙂
Bro, your blog is a favorite of mine. That last post challenged my thinking in some good ways. Great stuff!
This is good thought provoking stuff, Kevin. In your usual style, you pointed out some refreshingly clear observations of the church from ‘outside the box’. Not that I agreed with all of them, but I appreciate your honest observations of the church’s spending habits. I too thought about “the connection between the apostle’s reaction to the pouring perfume on Jesus’ feet”, and have always thought that we should give God our best in every way. The challenge, of course, is where should we draw the line.
Keep up the good work!
-Steve
Kevin, I am always challenged by your thoughtful posts. I am writing now to encourage you: in parenting it take 7 positive comments to overcome that one negative. Why should you let one negative overcome so many positives. Whom do you fear? God or man? Sorry I know that may hurt because my answer to that question is not always the “right” one either. May God be your shield AND your heart be soft (regardless of the thickness of your skin!).:-)