Is your Church Executive Board as Judgmental as this one?

Is your church executive board as judgmental as this one?

What I experienced this past week

Let me preface this article to say that this is not to pass judgment any religious organization-this is to express my view in relation to one isolated situation. 

I have been searching for facilities to use at low cost for workshops and educational seminars for local clients for the past several months.  Many places to rent offered exorbitant fees and some just never returned repeated phone calls. 

Someone recommended their church and I have been in the process of getting approval to use their space since May.  They had fees that were reasonable and it meant that I could keep the cost very low for my clients.  I was very excited about this! 

Today I received a call from someone on this church’s executive committee who stated that since I am a “for profit” organization I am not a good fit for them and they do not want to rent space (for a total of 4 hours) to me, my business. 

Prior to their decision I met with someone at this church, explained my mission and focus and  I provided them with a packet of information about me, my business and what I do. I also explained this to the board person on the phone as well. 

Here is why I feel that they should feel shameful and embarrassed. 

Here is why I feel they are hypocrites and judgmental as a church board. 

This is not to say that everyone at this church behaves in this manner nor are all church organizations like this.   Also, they need to do what they feel is right.

Let me digress for just a moment;

Sadly I have encountered numerous judgmental people from religious organizations when working in long term care.  While most of these organizations have been wonderful, compassionate and giving, there are always some bad apples that spoil it-like the ones who think since they are a church group they do not need to go through an orientation to volunteer at our nursing home, nor feel they should have to adhere to a schedule to come in and help out. 

Then there have been the ones who refuse to give communion to those with dementia because they don’t “know what is going on” or ask that they be removed from certain religious groups within the facility.

And then there was this refusal to rent space to me as nutrition professional. 

Let me be clear; as a “for profit”-it is just me and my profit, if any, is meager.  I work my tail off to give people free information via personal emails and texts, through free presentations, blogs and newsletters and through the numerous organizations I volunteer with.  Sometimes I am up late at night researching or responding for someone who isn’t even a client. Then there are the clients that I take at discount, reduced rates and almost for free.  And there are the free clients as well. 

So to link me in a category with large “for profit organizations” after I explained this to them, is in my opinion quite embarrassing on their part. 

The cost for the Master Tonic workshop that I wanted to hold there would cover costs to rent space and items needed for the workshop.  If I make a profit it’s close to minimum wage.  Last year I ended up losing money on having the event.  But I enjoyed offering it just the same!

People, who know me, know I don’t do this for the money. They know that I am passionate about helping people-whether it was in the nursing home or now as nutrition professional.  I volunteer my time endlessly and give free information.  I wonder if most of their church community can even say that. 

In the end I need to not take it personally and know what I do is right and continue to follow my path. While I do find it disheartening after I presented the above information to them, they do not know me and they do have to make these decisions based on the information provided.

 I apologize to those of who want to attend these workshops in a professional and centralized location.  I will continue to keep looking but we may be back at my home! September Master workshops dates and registration in Castle Rock, CO should be posted on my website within the week. 

 It is also not my intent to put down any specific religious organization but to express my thoughts and opinion in regards to this particular instance. 

What do you think? Am I being too over reactive? Too sensitive? Has anything like this happened to you?

Karen Brennan, MSW, CNC, and owner of Tru Foods Nutrition Services, LLC seeks to educate others so that they can take charge of their own health.  If you would like more information visit her website at www.trufoodsnutrition.com