Salespeople

It frustrates me to no end when I'm working in my study on a Tuesday (the one day when we don't have a secretary at the chapel) and I get a sales call on the telephone. I try to be polite, but the fact of the matter is that most of the time it is a waste of both of our time (the caller's and mine) to be talking in the first place.

Most of our supplies, 'overhead', etc. are operated out of Zion Lutheran Church, and aside from that we don't have a lot of money to spend either. When it comes to things like software and publications, we're generally supportive of the things our own church body has worked together to create - CPH is our first choice for materials, we use the Concordia Plan, the Church Extension Fund is where we turned first when we were building. These organizations exist to serve LCMS congregations and because of this they are often better suited than others to cater to our particular needs.

Today I get a telephone call from someone interested in sending us medical insurance. Doesn't tell me where he's calling from, says he's not selling anything, and asks me to confirm the address so they may send information. He gives it to me, and I confirm it, okay so far. Then he asks my name, which I give him (it's on the website, very publicly available so I'm not worried about that). Then he asks my age, and I lie (it's none of his business). Then he asks my wife's age, and I say that I prefer not to give that information out. He asks about children, and again I say that I'd prefer to not share that information. He then asks whether we have insurance (yes), and then which kind. I tell him it's the Concordia plan, which only LCMS congregations may participate in, and that we're very happy with the plan and its coverage. Then he asks if he can send me information from them. I repeat that we're very happy with the insurance we have. He just says, 'Rude Pastor!' and hangs up. Thanks for wasting my time, friend.

Why do these companies believe that churches have money to burn? We don't! If we wanted your stuff we'd have found it. Thanks!