I'm sure I could re-publish this blog once every six months or so because the things people say to me when they learn I"m a pastor just gets better and better. These are some of my most recent personal favorites.
When meeting a Muslim man who was interested in speaking about his book at our church: "Wow, are you some new breed of pastors or something? I mean, you look so young and professional! Do most pastors dress like you now? And your handbag and your shoes, I like them. I didn't know that pastors could now wear stylish things."
When meeting an Asian couple who were humanitarian workers visiting the U.S.: "So, your husband is not a pastor? What?? How can that be? And, no, you don't have children? How can you be a pastor who doesn't have children? We need to pray for you right now!"
When meeting the man who ran my copies for church at Office Depot: "You're a pastor, really? Didn't know they made them so young? Is your church more fun?"
When getting my nails done, the female nail tech said: "So being such a young female pastor does this mean that your church has a high percentage of male attendees, especially the young ones?"
Yes, I guess I am a part of "some new breed of pastors."
No, my husband is not a pastor. He has a perfect job for his interests and passions and I'm lucky he's so supportive of what I do.
No, I do not believe that my relationship or childbearing status has nothing to do with whether or not I am a good pastor or not.
And, finally, no, there hasn't been a rise of "young males" attending our church since I came. If anything there are more of all kinds of people, gay, straight, young, old, married, partnered, divorced, etc who come to Washington Plaza-- all people whom God is calling back to be a part of such a loving and Christ-centered fellowship.
I'll continue to be me with no apologies. I know that this is exactly what my church needs, even if bystanders on the side are slightly confused about what is going on at our wonderful little congregation with a female name after the "Rev."
