From time to time, I run into members of my former church. And, depending on my frame of mind and the member, I either approach them or avoid them. Such is the way of transition.

Usually, the members of my former church that I like, I approach. And, of course, they ask where we are now attending and why we left.

Where as, members of my former church that I don’t particularly care for, I try to avoid. And even though they ask the same questions, it is difficult to keep from saying that they are a part of the reason that we left. And such was the case that other day at Meijers. (regional grocery chain)

When I walked into the store, I spotted her. She was about 50 feet in front of me, headed for the back of the store. Since that is what I would normally do, I hung around in the front of the store and gave her a good head start. Then, I proceeded carefully on my way.

Now, this person is extremely opinionated, outspoken and ‘in your face’ aggressive. While the first two traits are tolerable, the aggressiveness is a thorough turn off. It is her way or the highway.

In fact, there are several women in my former church that fall into that category. I often refer to them as the roller derby queens or the biker club.

I thought I had managed to avoid her in the store, but as I was checking out, she got in line right behind me. Rats! And, as expected, she asked the usual questions and I gave her the standard answers.

She told me that the ministers sermons were getting much better and that she really wanted us to come back. She said that she really missed us and that the church really needed us. I told her that the ministers sermons were not the reason that we left. And her mouth fell open when I told her that we have been planning on leaving for about 5 years.

When she asked why we had left, I told her that the church was dying because it refused to change with the times. And I pointed out that all of the young adult couples have left for live and active churches.

It was at this point that she raised the hackles on her neck and clinched her fists. She told me that she has been attending that church for over 30 years and that no one was going to change the way that she worshiped. I told her that I understood what she was saying but pointed out that her style of worship was the reason that the young couples were leaving.

As she went into a tirade, I made my exit. I guess when she said that she missed us, I really think she meant that she missed our money which helps support her style of worship. Oh well.