Free Arizona Pastor by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page B

songs.” Greg stopped her. “God is looking at the heart of the worshipper.”
    â€œOf course He is,” said Freddy. “But I have a hard time focusing on worship when people are dancing all over the place.”
    Kristy breathed a sigh of relief when Wade raised his hands. “Okay. So it sounds like one of our bigger concerns is the kind of music used during worship services.”
    The group nodded.
    â€œAnything else?” asked Wade.
    Becca ducked her chin and shrugged. “You preach a little longer than we’re used to.” She straightened. “Not that your sermons aren’t terrific, but the longer services can be a challenge for the nursery workers.”
    â€œAnd for some of us with arthritis, who can’t sit in those pews too long,” added Freddy.
    Kristy bit back a grin as she contemplated how Wade would react to the concern. She loved her church family, but everyone seemed to have his or her own opinion about how things should run, and most didn’t seem to have compromise on their minds.
    Wade jotted something down on a notepad. “Okay. Some are concerned about the length of the sermon. What else?”
    â€œWhat about the Bible translation?” asked Eustace.
    â€œI liked it better when we had baptisms at the beginning of the service instead of the end,” added Becca.
    â€œI’d like to see the youth become more actively involved,” said Greg.
    Freddy’s voice boomed again. “That’s something we can agree on, Greg. My grandson might be more willing to come to church if he saw people his own age participating.”
    â€œI bet he’d enjoy more contemporary music, as well,” added Becca.
    Kristy’s heart twisted as the group continued to argue. This division wasn’t good for the church. Everyone was seeking his or her own agenda. She offered a silent prayer for peace and then glanced at Wade. He finished writing on the notepad. Their gazes met, and she offered a slow nod to let him know she’d help him work for unity.
    â€œOkay. I have an idea,” said Wade. He held up his paper. “I’ve written down everyone’s concerns. I’m going to make a copy for each of you. We’ll meet again next week at the same time. Until then, I challenge each of you to watch, sing or read the opposite of what you prefer.”
    â€œSo since I like to read the English Standard Version of the Bible, this week I’ll read the King James?” asked Kristy.
    Wade smiled. “Exactly.”
    Freddy and Becca frowned.
    â€œI don’t know,” said Becca.
    â€œNot sure I’ll feel comfortable,” said Freddy.
    â€œWe’ve all been chosen for the committee to bring unity to the church. We have to be willing to compromise.” Kristy looked at Eustace and Greg. “It’s just for one week.”
    Greg pushed his glasses higher on his nose. “I’m in.”
    â€œI suppose I’m willing to try.” Eustace rubbed her hands together.
    â€œTerrific. Let’s close in prayer,” said Wade.
    Kristy’s mind swirled as she thought of her relationship with Mel. She needed to heed her own advice. She had to talk to her daughter, but more important, she needed to listen. And compromise.

Chapter 9
    W ade hooked the leash to Bo’s collar. The canine obeyed the command to sit, but he panted and his tail thumped against the dirt. Wade scratched behind the overgrown puppy’s ears. “Someone’s looking forward to his walk.”
    Bo released a quick whine, then barked once. Wade patted the dog’s head. “Then, let’s not wait any longer.”
    After grabbing a water bottle and a few bags to scoop up any of Bo’s natural fertilizer, Wade stood and motioned for Bo to do the same. The dog jumped to his feet, and Wade allowed him the required six feet of headway. He wished Bo’s excitement over sniffing each rock and creosote bush was