At some point in the conversation they get an embarrassed look on their face and say to me, "I know I haven't been at church lately..." followed by an explanation about their busy life or their family commitments or their need for a break.
Some people see their pastor like their teacher: I'm up front in the classroom, giving them assignments for their personal well-being, and apropos of the above conversation, taking attendance!
But what if you stop going? Will you get in trouble?
I think you know the answer to that one. I am not in charge or your journey with God. In fact, I hope that you have a very full relationship with God outside the church.
Sure, we believe that being in church can promote spiritual health, just like going to a gym regularly or training with a group greatly increases your physical fitness and health.
To be quite honest, I don't want to hear the reasons you haven't been in church. They are your reasons, and you don't need to justify them to me. All I care about is how you are doing and if you need a community in your life.
It's just great to see you, no matter how long it's been.