For some reason, my former church has sent out a blanket letter of “we miss you” and a link to a survey for those who have left. At first it sounded like a sincere letter to us personally from one of the pastors, but it was evident quickly that it was just a letter they sent out to a list of emails from those who have left the church. It threw me at first, and then I began to get a bit offended. When we left, we really got very little contact from the pastors. One did meet with us and continued contact as long as we wanted. He was genuinely sad we left, but the rest dropped us fast. In fact, we recently saw one of the pastors when we popped in on friends. The pastor and his wife were friendly enough, but if we were truly missed, there was not an expression of that. It was awkward for both couples, we talked and were nice but what can you say?
The blanket letter comes after a few others have left, and I wonder if more have left than I realize. The survey seeks to know why people have left and how the church can pray for you….and a few more things. I kept feeling like it is a marketing tool when reading it. It’s like when you choose not to use a service and they send a survey to find out why. They don’t want to know how they’ve erred doctrinally, but want to know more logistics of things they can change. At least that’s my take. I could wish it were a fishing for truth….but I cannot help to feel there is a motive other than my dreams.
I am a C...I am a CH...I am a CHRISTIAN 