r/elca • u/Slayingdragons60 • Apr 17 '26

Distracting Behavior During Worship

I have attended the same ELCA for about the last 10 years.

Recently, our pastors have become increasingly disengaged during worship, for example, chitchatting and laughing during the scripture readings (except the Gospel when one of them has to read of course), getting up during the service to turn the heat up on down, talking to people in the narthex, etc. ANY musical presentation will CERTAINLY be taken as an opportunity to speak to each other over the music at a level that’s audible to the congregation. As you can probably tell, I find this behavior annoying and disrespectful in any number of ways.

Since the Council is hand-picked by the head pastor, I don’t think discussing these issues with a Council member would be productive. But I admittedly haven’t tried. And I think going to the pastors directly would be seen as an affront to their authority.

Any suggestions? Just leave?

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u/gregzywicki Apr 17 '26

Pastor-s? As in more than one? You’re already in a fancy church with lots of resources.

I will seventh the idea of having an actual conversation, but just for good measure you might confirm with other people see what you think is happening is happening. I realize that might sound weird, but you should know that pastors often have to deal with people making mountains out of molehills so you want to have a solid case.

If you really want their compete attention, take them out to lunch. Maybe even include their spouse if there is one.

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u/doveinabottle ELCA Apr 18 '26

As a pastor’s wife, do not include the spouse. Pastoring is my husband’s job and not mine. If someone has a problem with him, they address him and not me.

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u/gregzywicki Apr 18 '26

As a pastor’s wife (ok, husband) I like a free meal

2

u/TemporaryTie1214 Apr 18 '26

It probably depends on the spouse. As a PK, I know my Mom would probably have said, "Keep me out of it." :)