I asked this question on Facebook to help me process some thoughts for a retreat coming up:

"I need your help. I'm thinking through some things for a retreat, and I'd love your honest input. Friends that don't go to church, what are your reasons? I want to know even if the answer is tough. Friends that do go to church, what reasons do your friends give for not going to church? Make this a safe place to be honest, friends. :)"

I got some very interesting answers. Click here to see.

I started thinking a lot about how each of us really want to be loved. We don't want to just be someone's project, but we want to be part of a group who really cares about us.

In John 21, I love how Jesus not only gives Peter a second chance to reaffirm his love and commitment, He instructs Peter about how to lead His church.

"Feed my lambs."

"Take care of my sheep."

"Feed my sheep."

Jesus didn't say "Rule my sheep" or "manage my sheep". He didn't say "Organize my sheep" or "Schedule my sheep."

He used the words of nurture--feed, take care of.

My dear pastor preached his last sermon before retirement last Sunday. Over and over he said how much he has loved being our pastor and loved each one of us. It's true, and it was evident.

There are many pastors and parishioners who don't follow Jesus' plan for leading His people (see Mary Demuth's excellent post on spiritual abuse), but my faith has been strengthened by my pastor and how he loved our church.

Now I'm on the pastor search committee, and we're looking for another shepherd who will follow Jesus' direction to feed and care for us. It's exciting to wait in anticipation for that God's provision of our next pastor.