Intervies With A Unchurched Friend

My interview was with a woman by the name of Flora Mae. Most of her life she has not gone to
church. However, from time to time over the years she would start but with all her efforts she
only lasted a few weeks before she would loose interest once again.

At the present time she not attending church anywhere and hasn’t for some time. She tells me
she prays and reads her Bible at home.

Our Interview

1. What are a few issues or topics that impact or interest you?

* As I watch and listen to the news and all that is happening in the world, I would like to know
more about all that is happening relates to the Bible.

I said, “So, are you saying you would like to know more of how the book of Revelation lines up
with what’s happening in our world right now? She replied, “Yea, I guess that’s the book I’m
talking about.”

* I would like to know why there are so many different demonstrations. Like the Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of God, Assemblies of God. Where did they all come from? If there is suppose to be only one God to follow I don’t understand why everybody is different.

* I would like to know what it means when people say, ‘God has a plan and I need to accept His
plan.’ I would be interested in learning how His plan could involve the suffering of innocent children. Those who are being harmed and even born with deformities and can’t live a normal healthy childhood.

* I would also be interested in learning why people who say they love God and go to church all
the time, even pastors, deal with pain and suffering. If He is a merciful God then where is the mercy?

* When my mother was dying people would say to me, ‘God is trying to get the attention of her
children.’ If that is the case they why did He have her suffer? Why didn’t He just tap us on the shoulder instead of trying to get my attention by making my mother suffer? These might not be topics of interest but they are things I really would like to know.

2. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?

* We hear of so many pastors who hide their evilness behind the pulpit. Pastor’s and Priest are being arrested for molestation. There is so much adultery and greed. Aren’t Pastors suppose to be holy?

* Feel they don’t have the proper clothing.

* Afraid of being made fun of

* Afraid of being the new person in church

* I don’t want to raise have to raise my hand, stand or come up front to be recognized. That makes me feel like I am being judged and put on the spot.

* Afraid they will call on me to read or ask me a question that I don’t know the answer to.

* One church had everyone who brought their Bible - hold it up high so they knew who had a
Bible. I didn’t take mine because the print was to small and I could see it. I was so embarrassed. Anyway I am there for the pastor to teach me.

* I don’t want to be asked to fill out an information card. Some people are not ready to give out
their personal information. A lot of information cards ask questions that I’m not sure I want to get the answers to. Like, I don’t want them to know I have problems. And what if they send someone to my house to talk to me that I don’t feel comfortable talking with.

I’m not even sure I want someone coming to my house at all. What is my family is discussing a problem and they come knocking at the door at that time. Not good.

Another reason I don’t like to fill out their cards ahead of time: I’m not sure what the people are like, friendly or not or if I like the pastor’s message. It’s too late if I have already given them my information.

3. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?

* Smaller church

* Friendly people

* A Pastor that shares his knowledge of the Bible

* A Pastor who will share the goals of reaching eternity (heaven)

* Younger people — not just old people — a younger generation

4. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?

* Let people know you are available to talk, listen or pray whenever needed

* Let people know you will keep problems between them and the Lord. Unless it is asking for
others to pray too (prayer request)

* It would be nice if the Pastor would call once in a while just to check people. That person
might have something bothering them but they might feel it is not important enough to ask for help.

* I would really be helpful if they would put their sermon topic and scripture text in the bulletin.
I like to go over the topic with my Bible at home but can’t.

* They could really help the needy in the community with things like: clothing and food. Helping the elderly or families who have trouble children. They could also offer more activities to younger people in the community.

Flora Mae is actually my aunt. We have talked many, many times over the years. However,
asking her these four questions has given me a deeper insight of her view on the church,
ministers, and those who call themselves Christians.

After she gave her answers I went back and touched on several of her concerns. We talked about
why bad things seem to happen to innocent people, we talked about how everything we hear
must be filtered through the Word of God. How we can’t hold a grudge against those who have
hurt or offended us. In the light of eternity it’s not worth missing out with Jesus. We talked
about forgiveness and what it means that God has a plan for our lives.

Flora Mae is defiantly as searcher. She has prayed the sinners prayer and wants to make it to
heaven. She is just trying to figure it all out in her mind.

I found her reasons for not wanting to fill out an information quite interesting. It has made me
rethink of what we do personally at our church. Not that we ‘pressure’ people into doing this,
because we don’t. Just was so appreciative that she went into detail as to why she doesn’t like
that.

She is only ten years older than me and we are very close. We talk quite often and we pray
together a lot. I know the difficulties she has experienced when she tries to find a church. I pray
she will be able to push pass her fears.