Fall 1989

ARTICLE TOOLS

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One hardly expects to find robbers in the church. But they're there. They don't carry guns, but they're known to wear masks. They are the joy thieves.

Joy thieves appear in different forms but have this in common: They have little fun in life and try to make sure no one else has more. The three most common varieties are the pouter, the more-spiritual-than-thou, and the I-expected-more-of-you.

The pouter never confronts, only pouts. We're not aware anything is amiss until suddenly the atmosphere cools. What's wrong? We haven't a clue.

Often the cause is feeling neglected. With the growth of the congregation I serve have come adjustments of my weekly schedule. Recently, I noticed a layman was cool and seemed to be avoiding me. Maybe he's just passing through a rough period, I thought. But when the pouting continued for weeks, I asked, "Have I done something to offend you? Is there something wrong between us?"

"Well, not really, but you know we haven't spent much time together like we used to," he said. Before I could apologize and explain, he did. "I know you're busy and you don't have the time you used to have. I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself."

"Why didn't you take the initiative to talk to me?" I asked. "You know I don't want anything to come between us. I've initiated the last three times we've been together. Give me a call, and lunch is on me." We haven't had lunch yet, but the pouting has ceased. Peace was restored.

The more-spiritual-than-thou thief sees faith and fun as incompatible. Should the pastor have fun, this thief wishes the pastor would "take the calling more seriously."

I once challenged our minister of music: "If you have a hundred voices in the choir by Thanksgiving, ...

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