Dear Church Staffers;
I have had a long year. I would like to thank the random administrative assistants that helped me register for things, or the ones who helped me find places, the ones who forwarded my emails to the right people...
But I have a challenge for you: I understand you have a lot on your plate, you are just one person, you don't have enough help; I really get it, but I've also been ignored, overlooked, encountered unresponsiveness, and told I can't be a part of "fill in the blank" this year.
I am a transplant to a small community during the week, I try to go to my hometown on the weekends. I have written to several churches in the area to find a small group or a group of young adults to plug in with. I've been told I am not a member so I can't be a part, I've played email tag with a couple pastors that ended up forgetting who I am and never following through with their promise to connect me with a group or a person. I've been told that they'd follow up with more information and never done that. I've even written to groups of people and no one from the group has responded at all. When I've called, I've received one call back. When I called their contact about a small group I was quizzed on how serious I was and that I needed to be present at every single meeting or I shouldn't come--a Bible study. I'm not exaggerating.
I've been in contact with 8 pastors, 2 music pastors, & 4 small group leaders this year. 1 person followed through with their word.
I am a Christian, I am familiar with churches, I have been in many leadership positions. From Milwaukee to Green Bay, my experience is consistent--terrible.
Pastors, staffers, church people I plead with you to be serious about keeping your word, following through with emails and inviting people into your community. I can't get into these communities of believers and I am one of you.
Peace,
Sherri
