Having just gotten off the phone with a pastor who had been beaten up by his congregation, my first thought after reading that comment was 'what it would be like to serve a congregation of golden retrievers?'

 

When my wife, Barb, and I were considering getting another dog as a pet, our daughter, who serves on the board of the Colorado Greyhound Adoption organization encouraged us to study different breeds to find one that fit our needs and lifestyle.

 

After looking at a lot of websites we determined that the shetland sheepdog fit us the best.  They are outstanding companion dogs and are intensely loyal.  They are lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey.  However, they are also vocal, excitable, and they shed.  Even with those drawbacks, we purchased the first of what became two shelties - Shadow and Tucker.

 

Wouldn't it be great if you could select the type of individuals you wanted in your congregation just like Barb and I selected the breed of dog we wanted?  Many of you would pick golden retrievers, but a few of you might even select shelties.  Remember, even though shelties bark a lot, they are very loving and loyal.

 

The sad thing is we've all forgotten that Jesus commanded us to love each other, a little bit like the way dogs love their owners.  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)

 

We would all bow our heads in shame if we knew how many people won't come into our church because they see the lack of love.  In some of the congregations I hear about, I'm not sure that they even look a little like Jesus' disciples.

 

When I received a call from a church leader seeking help for a fallen pastor I often learn that this leader is dealing with a congregation intent on punishing their pastor.  In contrast to the description at the beginning of this article, this group of Christians is unforgiving, lack understanding, and is not a thoughtful group of people at all. They are assuming the worst and don't appreciate the importance of having different perspectives. They're fast to anger, quick to condemn, and are making rash judgments or acting in anything but a spirit of total love.

 

My recommendation to the church leaders is to encourage the congregation to demonstrate grace and forgiveness.

 

In the real church life a pastor does not have the option to select the members of his/her congregation.  In fact he/she is called to preach and teach whoever the Lord brings into the church.  It is a holy call and one that you accepted fully and completely.  I know that you wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So next Sunday as you look out over your congregation, take care not to visualize the entire group as different dog breeds.  Remember, it is said that dog owners tend to look like their pets.