A new friend came to the church that I attend and was so surprised to find...love.

It seems that the young lady has been struggling with her walk and as a new believer...well...it's expected.

But to feel like you have your own problems and that no matter where you turn...you are on your own...well that is a sad situation.

She told me of the church that she was attending...and that the pastor was...well...nice, but out of reach most of the time.

I attended the church on a mid-week service as a visitor and saw that there really was no reason that the pastor wasn't reachable. There were less then 25 people and that included his family and they were on the platform.

But it was one of those churches where you find the pastor of the church...coming in after praise and worship had already begun because he was in his “holy place” and unapproachable by everyone.

I have seen that very scene so many times in so called “Christian churches”.

I was a member of a church once. My son was very young and in order to speak with the pastor of the church...you had to make an appointment weeks in advance and the entire congregation was less then 15 people...and that included the pastor and her husband.

I have also seen pastors of larger churches not come out of their “hiding places” until well into the music...and then they would be surrounded by “guards” and would be very unapproachable while they moved up to their reserved seating. They would usually leave right after service so that saying anything to them after service was again...out of the question most of the time.

Any guest speaker was treated with the same...”you are much to important” attitude and would be quickly whisked away not to be seen by the more common people as these were celebrities and special friends of only those in leadership.

When she came to church this morning...she arrived late and sat by herself. This would be expected as she didn't know anyone but me...and she hadn't seen me.

But when I saw her “run” for the door as soon as it was over...I said NO WAY. When I spoke with her I could see the emotion on her face. I told her she wasn't going anyplace until I introduced her around and with that statement...she smiled.

She was introduced to all 4 of the pastors...and the senior pastor gave her a hug and kiss on her cheek...and prayed with her.

This amazed her completely. He was approachable...and showed so much love and care. Another lady in the church came over...hugged her...kissed her on the cheek...and insisted that she come back again, and again and so on. I saw how happy she was to realize that people truly cared with out having to make an appointment.

I too was treated in this fashion when I first arrived at the church that I now attend. When I first saw the senior pastor...he was hugging and greeting everyone. He danced in the isles during worship and I had NO idea who this nut was. But he was happy...seemed to love everyone...and knew everyone.

He was making sure of who was present...who was new.

I found out soon enough.

He was the shepherd...he was tending the sheep that he loved.

He wasn't out of touch...or out of reach...and he certainly wasn't surrounded by guards to keep the common folks away.

He was in plain site...he was real...and the people loved and still do love him...and you know what...all the pastors of Redeemer Temple are exactly the same way.

They show care and love for all who come in and are eager to find out who you are...where you come from and quick to give a hug and or a handshake.

My son and I are some of the very privileged few that can actually say...”we know the difference between church leaders and those that shepherd the flocks that have been placed under them by our father in heaven”.

I truly am a blessed man to know the difference and I know that God has allowed me a very special privilege.

I Just wanted to share.

Ron