NOM

My mother is single and divorced. As such she hates going to family events without family. So, I go to her ward Christmas party every year. I know most people in the ward, they know I'm out of the church, and everyone has a great deal of mutual respect going both ways. A good time is had by all, my children participate in the nativity and sit on Santa's lap.

This year, the missionaries showed up (as they normally do), but this time they came with a book of Mormon in hand. This is unusual, as they normally just sit, eat, and socialize. Not this time, however, they were looking for visitors. They came by and started talking to me and asking who I was.

The bishop (also a friend) came over before I could even respond and held out a hand and said, "Brother document! So glad you could come and visit your mother, tonight! How are things in your home ward?" I laughed and said that my ward is still the same ward! The missionaries quickly left, there was no converting needed there.

The bishop just laughed and said (paraphrasing), "That was great and I didn't have to lie. As my friend I still consider you a brother and a ward just means a geographical area! I didn't want this to be awkward for you!"

It made me smile.

If only this type of respect could be demonstrated on a regular basis, the church might be a cool place to hang out.

That was a great and kind gesture.

As I have no doubt that you know what you're talking about I'll accept is as explained, but in circumstances this could sound more like damage control. Like, "I don't want any fragile testimonied missionaries talking to that guy!".

The BOM in hand thing has gotten out of control. Every time I see the missionaries they have a BOM in their hands. Even on P day at wal-mart, they're shlepping through the aisle with the BOM out.

It just screams cult.

Is this a new program? I get my door knocked consistently and they have their books in hand. Outside of that, I don't generally see them. I will have to keep my eyes open when I see them on the street.

I don't see them on the street much.

When I do, sometimes they have a BoM, sometimes not.