How do you handle anonymous letter in your church?

I agree, but if they don't read it only because it is not signed they will never know will they?

 

I don't think unsigned letters of complaint should be given much credit, if they feel strong enough to complain they should be brave enough to sign.

 

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DonnA;
You wouldn't know that unless you opened it. If it turns out to be someone with a gripe or whatever then toss it but could be someone who is backwards, children in trouble anything and if you tossed it, well God knows what is in it, what I think anyway for what its worth.

 

Now that is funny.

 

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missing the point

 

I wonder how many unsigned letters Frenchy has given?

 

Let's not get out the mud, guys.

I do not give much credence to an unsigned letter, but NEVER believe that a person who has written one will stop there. If they have a gripe and it is not addressed you can be pretty sure it is just a matter of time till they crank up the rumor mill...

Don't overreact, but neither should you underreact. Just because it was not signed, does not mean it is not valid!

READ and WEIGH the words... Then take whatever action is appropriate.

 

Oh, BTW, just because some pastors are paranoid, it does not prove that they are NOT out to get us...

 

PastorSBC1303
NEVER!

I am not one to complain, no use sweating the small stuff. If i ever have a problem with anything (big) with anyone i go right to the person and talk to them about it.

Keeps down a lot of gossip that way.

 

I agree. Sending an anonymous letter has about as much effect as a silent protest...

BTW, I don't believe a 'suggestion box' has any place in a church.

If there is a problem - talk to your pastor - face to face.

 

Maybe he's a she and she's a jerkette.

If it's a letter of ridicule I generally throw it away. I've only seen 2, maybe 3 in my lifetime. I've gotten many nice/nasty emails from people who use an email that doesn't tell who they are.

I have gotten letters from young people not signed, describing life issues. I've kept those and prayed.

 

I am Blessed 16;

I also think Gib posted what it may be, so you should as a Pastor give enough of your time to "open" it, or least you become too high minded.

 

Well, yes, you have to open it to see if it is anonymous...

I would think that most anonymous letters, to a pastor, come from people who have a complaint or just want to gossip about someone else.

Those kinds of letters don't deserve to be read.

My pastor doesn't listen to gossip face-to-face. Why would he want to read it in an unsigned letter?

 

I agree I Am Blessed 16; I have got letters I felt the church didn't need to hear and took it on my own to toss them.

 

An anonymous complaint can only be the attempt to cause strife, otherwise why not sign.

 

Well you added the word "complaint" and who can disagree with that?

 

Another thought just occurred, but this is the exception, not the rule. I had someone give me a letter that was printed off a computer, but he always signed them by hand. He simply forgot to sign one once. I knew whose it was because he told me that he would get it to me.