06/16/2026
Why would you have to tell a pastor if you missing?
Let me try to answer this, assuming it was a serious question.
⏺️Would you call your coach to tell him you were not going to make it for the game?
⏺️Do you call your job to tell them you’re not coming to work?
⏺️Do you call your wife to tell her you’re not going to be there for supper after she’s been cooking all afternoon?
⏺️Do you call your buddies to tell them you’re not going to go fishing or playing golf after you have already organized to go with them?
⏺️Do you call the airline or hotel and cancel if you’re not coming or do you just not show up?
As a member of a church, there is an expectation for you to attend.
Being a pastor, and growing up in a pastor’s home, let me add some perspective.
✅Your pastor has been praying for you and your family all week.
✅He has been reading and studying and preparing messages to feed your hearts.
✅He’s also been appointed by the Holy Ghost to be the overseer of the flock.
✅He will stand before God and give account to God for your soul.
✅He’s been tasked by God to equip you, instruct you, edify you and teach you.
✅He loves you and your family more than you could imagine.
Having the courtesy and the respect to let him know you will not be there is the very least you could do to show your appreciation for his investment and influence in your life. To simply not show up without a courtesy call to your man of God is inconsiderate and it creates unnecessary stress and questions in his mind.
Questions like:
❓Are they sick?
❓Are they offended?
❓Are they leaving the church?
❓Did I say something wrong?
…and on and on I could go.
It’s distracting, concerning and nerve-wracking (if you have a real pastor.)
A simple text message can alleviate all of that concern and confusion and it will help your pastor know where you are if someone asks him. It will calm his mind and settle his heart and allow him to continue through the service without worrying about it.
It’s called accountability, respect, and awareness of your responsibility as a member to be in your place.
⚠️How could anybody think it is a good idea to just simply not show up at your church where you are supposed to be (if you’re a member of the body) without any respect or concern for the rest of the body?
🔰 1 Corinthians 12
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
✍️ - Stacey Shiflett
