I’ve been given the cold shoulder so often, I suffer from frostbite. Been brushed off more times than Home Plate at Yankee Stadium. You know the classic line, “I’ve been thrown out of better joints than this!”
In itinerant ministry, as a speaker dependent upon relationships and invitations, the hardest nut to crack is Pastors. Perhaps shepherds are suspicious by nature, acting as guardians of the flock. It could be they are busy beyond belief. Or sadly, maybe they are just plain insecure. The repeated fact is, most haven’t got time for you unless they figure you can do something for them.
Not this time. Departing a prominent National Preaching Conference, I am at the airport en route to my next assignment. Directly in front of me in the TSA security line, is one of the main speakers at said conference. Good reason he was a featured presenter, he serves as Senior Pastor of one of America’s largest Churches. Mention his name or that of the church, and you could likely fill in the other blank. He is a prolific author often featured on national media. His church campus resembles Corporate Headquarters of a Fortune 500 Company. The auditorium in which he preaches has five, count ‘em, five levels. Pondering preaching in that setting, to quote the popular Christian song, “I can only imagine”.
Alone in the airport security queue, I politely shared that I benefitted from his offerings at the conference. He responded by asking my name, engaging in conversation, and insisting to buy lunch. Hesitantly, I consented. He has an expense account; I don’t. Conversing casually with ease, we shared on various personal, professional, and spiritual levels. He proffered his business card then asked for mine. Boarding his flight, he indicated he might well be in touch. Chuckling, I suggested otherwise. (He is after all, a heavy-hitter, and I an obscure Little-leaguer in our respective ministry fields.) He countered a second time, assuring he would connect. He proceeded to show convincing text evidence on his smart phone.
I believe him. As a preacher I know; humility is easy to display on the platform, but hard to fake in person.
His behavior melted a bit of my clerical cynicism, restored my faith in at least one “Christian Celebrity”, and challenged me to always be ready for whom I can treat with the dignity they deserve.
Just like Jesus did.