If you’re anything at all like me when I was sitting in pews listening to my pastor during college, you may have thought something along the lines of “Cool story, bro. When do I get to tell you mine? Stop talking and listen.”
By now you know that I was adopted, that I used to be an atheist, and that I have depression and anxiety. You know that I love Christine, that I grew up south of Chicago, and that I studied music. You know that I graduated from Yale, that I would like to pursue further education, and that I have red hair.
I want to get to know you. Now, I know that takes time and relationships develop at their own pace. But I am so ready to have conversations, learn about your passions and dreams, hear your histories, and drink from your wisdom. I want to have coffee, meals, or casual chats in my office or home. Again: you are how I spend my time. Thinking about you, praying for you, planning for you.
Who are you? Who do you want to be? How can I be a better pastor for you?
I want to know these things. Email me, call me, text me, or just show up. You know that I have an open life policy and I encourage you to use it.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and well-earned rest. But know that when September rolls around and we are back in the swing of our church routine, I’m going to do all I can to get to know who you are.
- Benjamin Geeding