Proof #128 that I am old: I constantly find myself saying, “it was much easier pastoring in “the good old days.” I feel like a curmudgeon to say it, but it’s true. 

Pastoring is hard. 
Harder now than ever.
People are angrier. 
Social media is brutal. 
Less people go to church, and 
those that are church go-ers, “comparison shop” more than ever.
An old preacher once told me, “once the sheep start to wander, they never stop.” We’ve got a generation of sheep wanderers, drifters and dropper-outers. That’s Baaaaa-d! (Terrible puns? Proof #129 that I am old.)

Regular attenders are less “regular.”
I’m told that there are more reasons to miss church now (I don’t really think there are more reasons to miss. There have always been plenty of reasons to miss church. It’s just these days people are more apt to miss). 
It is easier to miss church (thank you live streaming). 
The only “live streaming” in the old days was if the water fountain in the church foyer got stuck (Church foyer jokes: Proof #130 that I am old).

Growing up, we went to church. If the doors were open, we, Princes, were there. A little tummy trouble wasn’t a good enough reason to miss church. You had to have a foot in the grave and the other foot on spilled communion juice to miss. (Bad Communion jokes: Proof #131). Not so these days. 

People are less forgiving.
They draw conclusions much quicker.
Authority, respect and kindness have seemed to take a backseat to personal liberties where every behavior under the sun is validated and if you think otherwise, the “Kibosh!” will be on you!! (Use of the word, “Kibosh”: Proof #132)

Often in a vacuum (thanks again social media); non-Christians only hear the voices of like-minded people, and (not shockingly) those in the world are not favorable to the things of Christ. Proof #133: Every fiber in me, wants to make a joke how Hoovers’ aren’t the only vacuums that suck, but I’m not.

Moreover, there are “believers” who likewise are critical of the Church, pile on at any bits of trouble and regurgitate all of the Church’s flaws. Knowing the actual facts seems to be optional. Of course, accountability is needed. Errors and sins should be exposed. Flawed, sinful leaders should be expelled. I’m not talking about that. I’m referring to the ad nauseam criticism and vitriol speech from those who claim Christ. They have no problem slinging mud on the Bride of Christ’s gown. Heaven forbid, if a pastor-type should tell the aforementioned “believer” that their negativity is not helping the cause of Christ. An avalanche condemnation and denigration will fall upon the poor preacher. 

Did I say pastoring is harder now? It is.

What’s my answer to this current state of church life and pastoring? I’m going to try even harder. I am going to work to get others to join me. I’m going to preach and pray and call and visit and love and work some more until Jesus comes. I’m also going to pray for young leaders who are strong, courageous, faithful, loving, truthful, and kind. God is calling them. I’m praying these young leaders will be listening and not get discouraged. The closer I get to the finish line, the more I long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” A grumpy generation is not going to stop me.

Now, get off my lawn.

(The previous comment is Proof #134 reason that I am old).