As I peered out our kitchen window this morning I was considering all the questions I have right now: When will we sell our house? Why Nashville? Why can't I go back to the comfort of an office and a consistent paycheck? Why?

It occurred to me, this is exactly why we are embarking on this next adventure in our lives--an adventure that we believe God has taken 5 years for us to understand. He wants us out there--where the people we want to influence for the Kingdom are. But, even beyond that He wants us to be the people who take what we have learned in the classroom and help answer people's questions. Questions people are often afraid to ask in church.The number one thing people usually say to me when they find out I'm a pastor after conversing with me a bit is: I'm sorry. Why? Because they assume they offended me in some way. Maybe it was their language, their attitude, their something. It used to make me chuckle because of how consistent it was, not it makes me sad. Why don't they say, "Oh, you much be a person who is full of love, grace, and truth"? No, they say, "I'm sorry." The second question is almost always--just that--a question. "Gene, what do you think about . . . ?" Something of that nature. Somewhere people learned it wasn't okay to ask questions in church. Maybe for awhile, but after awhile you'd better stop asking tough questions. It shows doubt or lack or spiritual growth. Really? It shouldn't be the case, but often it is. I have learned a lot these past 2 1/2 years because I haven't been in the position to just talk without giving people no chance to talk back. People have great questions. Not only that, they often ask the same questions that I still have after all these years. I've also found out that people are often processing things a lot differently than I think they are. I'd rather journey with someone for a lifetime so that they can journey with God for a lifetime, than to journey with them until they continue to ask questions too long for my comfort. We believe God has called us to Mind the Gap. To be people who journey with spiritual seekers--an abundant group I might add. This is our hearts desire.