Don't Let the Absent Steal from the Present

It was the dreaded “annual review.” Some don’t understand why many preachers so fear these - those are the people who haven’t heard the horror stories. There really, percentage wise, not that many, but they linger and the get passed along. 

This one started well, but then came the pivot: “stop preaching to the people who are not here.” We’d been through one of those valleys that all churches go through. People has left. And, without intending to, I had begun to try to answer their objections and concerns. The elder spoke for them all: “Your answers are good but you are talking to people who aren’t even here. The people here want to be here, talk to them! Love them.” 

I litterally breathed in the words: Hindsight tells me that sometimes we become so frustrated with the people who aren't there that we fail the people who are. If you are anything like me, you look across the congregation and notice who's missing. Someone you spent hours encouraging. A family you thought was becoming more committed. People you love and desperately want to see grow spiritually.

And before you realize it, your disappointment with those who are absent begins to affect how you treat those who are present. Your preaching becomes a little sharper. Your attitude a little colder. Your encouragement a little less enthusiastic. And, you become, or at least sound, angry. 

May I encourage you - think about who's sitting in front of you. These are people who came because they love the Lord. People who made sacrifices to be there. People who came needing encouragement, instruction, and hope.

They deserve your best.

Peter told elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you" (1 Peter 5:2).

Yes, pursue those who are missing. Love them. Reach out to them. Pray for them.

But don't become so consumed with those who aren't there that you overlook the wonderful people God has placed right in front of you.

Don't punish the present because you're disappointed with the absent.

And whatever you do, don't quit on the people who haven't quit showing up.