When pastors leave

Final newsletter columns are often sappy and filled with thank yous and maybe a cheesy anecdote. The Rev. John Deschner of North Highlands United Methodist Church broke that mold by posing three pretty deep questions to his congregation that form a spiritual inventory:

* Looking back over the last two years, has your faith grown? If it has not, what has stopped you?
* Looking back over the last two years, are there new Christians among us, or recovered Christians among us?
* Looking back over the last two years, have you become a better representative of Jesus Christ in the world? Have you been involved in the mission work of this congregation? Have you lived your private life in a way that attracted thanksgiving and admiration from non-believers?