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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

That was the scenario I was responding to. Next thing I know, I'm talking to someone who watches church repeatedly. Oh well.

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Then PLEASE add an introductory phrase or sentence to let me know you are responding to the scenario I presented to waltero. I thought you were just being annoying.

I shouldn't connect online with churches and pastors? What other suggestions can you offer?

Me? Annoying?

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I shouldn't connect online with churches and pastors? What other suggestions can you offer?

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I would hope you continue to do so.

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

Me? Annoying?

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*whistles tunelessly*

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I would hope you continue to do so.

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Whew!

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

I'll give a shot at it. I'd ask you if there was a reason why you do not attend church.

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Now that I understand this post of yours, I'd certainly disagree with that approach and your question. It's asked much too early in the possible relationship, is very nosy and even confrontational. Also, we psychotherapists encourage making "I" statements -- so as time goes on and as the friendship develops, "Oh, by the way, I attend XYZ church and would love to have you join me there next Sunday." Then listen carefully to the response.

This was the situation you presented. "Pretend you met me for the first time at the grocery store. We discovered, while standing in line at the deli, that we live on the same street and know some of the same people. You asked me if I attend any church. I vigorously shake my head "no" and say, "Yuk!" Walter, what would you say to me in response?"

Already, in your scenario, your rule has been broken. "You asked me if I attend any church." Certainly not an "I" statement and about as nosy as it gets, so you've already let the cat out of the bag. I wouldn't ask that to begin with, but that was your choice. If someone responded that firmly in the negative, I'd probably back up and say, "Sounds like you've had some negative church experiences." Bear in mind that in the deli line, you're not going to have all day long to psychoanalyze the person.

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

This was the situation you presented. "Pretend you met me for the first time at the grocery store. We discovered, while standing in line at the deli, that we live on the same street and know some of the same people. You asked me if I attend any church. I vigorously shake my head "no" and say, "Yuk!" Walter, what would you say to me in response?"

Already, in your scenario, your rule has been broken. "You asked me if I attend any church." Certainly not an "I" statement and about as nosy as it gets, so you've already let the cat out of the bag. I wouldn't ask that to begin with, but that was your choice. If someone responded that firmly in the negative, I'd probably back up and say, "Sounds like you've had some negative church experiences." Bear in mind that in the deli line, you're not going to have all day long to psychoanalyze the person.

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I'm impressed that you cracked that one wide open!

I talk with people a lot and that includes strangers out in the public. I used the method Jesus used with the woman at the well. Ask something of interest to them and see if they respond with any interest.

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

I talk with people a lot and that includes strangers out in the public. I used the method Jesus used with the woman at the well. Ask something of interest to them and see if they respond with any interest.

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"Ask something that might be of interest to them..."

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"Ask something that might be of interest to them..."

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OK Ms. Nit Pick.

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

OK Ms. Nit Pick.

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You bolded too many words.

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If you follow The Christ as your savior, why then are you not a Jew as he was, or did I miss his conversion?

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Not so much Follow. It is not I but Christ in me. I could become anything I wish, wouldn't change a thing...I'd still be a sinner.