I wonder, as consumers, are we asking too much of the staff in expecting a little friendly, personal type service? This week I did an "over the counter" bank transaction and was left feeling as though I may as well have been standing outside at the 'hole in the wall'. The teller spoke to me three times; once to announce "Next please!" and then twice in answer to general questions that I had asked simply to avoid the awkward silence. Oooh, and to her credit, there was an echo of my "thank you" as I left.
I am convinced that a friendly, personal, pastoral ministry is what works best. Life experience proves that when people feel valued and respected in personal relationships then that fosters trust and respect. And this is true in faith community relationships too. When people really belong, spiritual growth is evidenced as they daily put their trust in God and learn to respect their special place in His Kingdom of Love.
1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips) ~ "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern”
