Article September 24, 2018 Issue

An always-available pastor

Allison J. Rose-Sonnesyn

Not long ago, I was in a rideshare car on my way to a noon Wednesday testimony meeting at a Church of Christ, Scientist, in my city. My interest in the Christian music the driver was playing on the radio initiated a conversation about our love for God and church.

In the course of the conversation, he began talking about the pastor of his church. He and his pastor had been best friends for many years, but recently he had discovered that this man had engaged in an extramarital affair. He expressed his heartbreak and confusion about the situation. My heart went out to him. The driver clearly loved God, and expressed so much joy about being a Christian, but was feeling so disappointed in his pastor. We shared some Bible passages about God’s care for His flock, and I tried to encourage him.

As we pulled up in front of my destination, I explained that I was about to attend a church service where my pastor was going to share the good news about God’s love for us, and that he was welcome to come with me. He paused for a few moments to think about it, then said he wanted to, but couldn’t because of his work schedule. I thanked him for the ride, and then went to the service. I cherished the idea that his natural trust in and love of God would bring him the comfort he needed.

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