Nobody wants to be labeled. Labeling tends to reduce people to stereotypes and caricatures instead of real, complex, unique human beings.
In this video, the always compelling astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explains why he doesn’t want to be a category and would prefer to be a part of conversation.
Along the way, he shares why he’s an agnostic instead of an atheist and why that’s an important distinction.
I don’t know if other pastors are this way or not but when meeting people I often don’t mention I’m a pastor at first. In fact, I sort of avoid mentioning it if at all possible. To be completely honest, I really don’t like it when people introduce me to their friends as a pastor.
It’s not that I’m ashamed of being a pastor. I’m honored that God has put this call on my life. No, the reason why I’m hesitant to tell people I’m a pastor is that the term seems to carry a lot of baggage with people and once they hear that term they tend to categorize me in some way. Some even shut off from me altogether.
I just vastly prefer to meet someone, get to know them, have them get to know me a little bit, and then share with them what I do, if it comes up. I want to really connect with people first. I want to get to know them and have them realize that I’m a real person and not that weird. Then, and only then, do I share that I’m a pastor.
I guess I’m just seeking the conversation because, as I see it, that’s where real life connections and life-changing interactions typically happen.
About the Author
