My Non-Christian Christian Friend

Recently, I was hanging out with a couple friends and catching up on life. I don't know how we got on the topic, (isn't that how it always happens?) but at one point Shaun began telling us about his experience at church in North Carolina. He has been attending the Saturday evening service at a small church and upon a recent visit, the woman at the door greeted him by asking, "Oh, aren't you Shaun...?" She actually used his last name, too. He hadn't been attending this church for very long and really didn't know anyone.

Of course, we chimed in and said, "Well, did you fill out a comment card?" (We were thinking it might not have been that weird.)

He explained that, yes, he had filled out a comment card, but more importantly, when she said this to him, it occurred to him that he was probably the only new person. Interesting.

So, he continued telling us that he took his seat and the service commenced. Throughout the message, Shaun noticed that the Pastor was frequently speaking directly to him, especially when he was talking about those who might be investigating the Christian faith.

Let's pause here. Shaun is a believer. He grew up in a Christian home, was heavily involved with CCC in college, loves the Lord and has compassion for those who don't know Jesus.

So, every few minutes the Pastor would look at Shaun and speak about knowing Jesus. At the end of the message, the Pastor indicated that he was going to pray a prayer and that if anyone (again, looking at Shaun) was interested in knowing Jesus, he/she could pray with him.

At that point, Shaun looked at his watch and realized he must leave to meet a friend with whom he'd made dinner plans. Yep, right in the middle of the prayer he stood up and left, knowing that they probably thought he "wasn't ready" to engage in a relationship with Jesus.

I can just imagine the prayers of the church staff... "Lord, please bring Shaun back to church and Lord, please help him to come to know you." Hopefully Shaun will introduce himself to the Pastor sometime soon...