A Welcher, a Deserter and a Deadbeat

A preacher from my teen years is a friend on Facebook.   Some of his posts are interesting.  However, some of his posts display the reasons I no longer attend this particular church.   With that being said, I am grateful beyond words to the people who helped me develop my faith, but I am saddened that they appear to be in the same place spiritually, after over 40 years.  This particular preacher posted this from an unknown author. 

A Welcher, a Deserter and a Deadbeat

In the world of gambling, a person who refuses to pay is a Welcher. No one feels the least bit inclined to call such a person a gambling delinquent. In the armed services, one who leaves their post is a deserter,  not an unexcused absentee. In the business world, the individual who does not pay their debts is a Deadbeat. 

These terms state clearly the case of the person involved and everyone knows what is meant. But in the church there is a tendency to cover up the truth about members who are continually absent. We call them “inactive members.” This erroneous terminology spares the person involved a sense of pain because it covers up the real truth of his condition. 

What is meant by “inactive member” is that we still have their name and address in the database, even though they have not been in attendance, have not given a cent of money to the Lord, and have not shown the slightest interest in the welfare of their own soul, or the progress of the kingdom of God. 

My assertion is that if we just had the courage and were honest enough, we would give a little more accurate description of their condition. They are Deserters, Welchers and Deadbeats. At least they would know where they stand. So would the church. Their Lord already knows.  

-Author Unknown

Wow!  So much I could say here, for example, just because he is not supporting your church, does not mean he is not giving to the Lord, but, I have to to thank him for posting that, because it inspired the following. 

A Deserter, Welcher and Deadbeat

He is called a deserter because he no longer attends church. 

No one even asks why. Was he sick or somehow hurt? 

They just assumed he walked away and abandoned the faith.  

And for this lost soul they wonder and contemplate. 

He is a welcher because he refuses to pay his dues 

To a church that no longer aligns with his views.

Instead he helped a woman in the store. 

To pay for her groceries as she didn’t have a job anymore. 

He is a deadbeat because he believes.

In a truth that is different and is considered deceived.

It’s not that he doesn’t care for his brothers. 

It's just that he loves all the others. 

You see he is not limited by man.

Or what many in this church understand. 

God has led him on a different path. 

And there, he reaches many with a love that will last. 

He is a deserter of the faith, because he didn’t follow the rules. 

Going to every service and attending Sunday school. 

Didn't think outside of the box without checking with the preacher. 

Listened to God alone, without the church’s teacher. 

So when the time came, and after much prayer. 

This deserter’s pew was empty. He was no longer there. 

No one knew why, they just worried for his soul, 

He was still on the roster but his heart left a long time ago. 

Our churches are supposed to be a place of safety and love. 

One where we encourage one another to look to God above. 

It should be a place where we debate ideas and study His word. 

A place where opinions and questions all can be heard.

But those that think outside the box are not accepted.

Accused of deception and heresy, they are rejected. 

But they are not deserters of the faith. They have learned to hear God's Voice.

Choosing to hear from God and not man has been their choice.

He is called a deadbeat, the one who walked away. 

He is walking alone on God’s glorious highway. 

And walking alongside him are other deserters as well,

Here are just a few of those who supposedly fell. 

John  the Baptist walked the desert alone.

Calling men to repentance a long time ago. 

Isaiah and Jeremiah were there too.

They spoke God’s Word and were rejected by more than a few.

Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of the day. 

Would he be a deserter and welcher put on display?

Well, that is exactly what they did to Him.

And His response was “Father, forgive their sin. 

Yes, I am a proud deserter, welcher and deadbeat. 

I know though, that I am in good company. 

If you find you are a deserter or welcher too. 

Be of good courage, continue to do what you believe to be true. 

In God’s Kingdom, it won't be those in suits at a pew every week. 

But those who follow the leading of His spirit, whose truth they seek. 

God’s Kingdom will be those whose heart is right with Him. 

Whose law is written within.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson