I have met priests who have done similar for the same reasons. Then parishioners accused them of being uppity or stand-offish.Grace wrote:
This begs the question, do we as a conservative Anabaptist's have our own celebrities among ourselves? If asked this question, the immediate answer would be “No, of course not”. Yes, we do have some very notable preachers, teachers, missionaries, etc. However if we take a closer look we will see that the desire for fame, glory, and recognition does exist in our conservative Anabaptist Churches. Though lots of lip service is given to the glory of God and the extension of His kingdom, sometimes receiving the praise and glory of man is enjoyed more than the actual work for the Lord.
Some time back I heard a comment made by a minister, who is well known for powerful sermons. He said he does not stand in the back of the church to greet the people after the service, because it turns into a “praise the preacher” mode. This individual wanted the glory go to God, not him.
Ministry is hard because there will always be those who complain louder than those who are happy with the ministry. Complaints are squeakier wheels than praise.