Stating something true, like we are all imperfect sinners, doesn't prove the contrary of "this is an unfriendly church". When we first showed up to my church, the first thing we noted was how unwelcoming it was. I can say after all this time, I still think that is true. We still can't get anyone to share a meal with us after all this time.

I don't want to assume all LCMS churches are cold and unwelcoming. Yet, there are days I miss being a Nondenom in the countryside, where sharing your life with other members was the norm.

Do I still appreciate the Word Preached and the Sacrament received? Yes. But that doesn't negate the issue.

I think instead of being defensive, people should take the criticism and try to do better. We shouldn't be so brittle that we can't handle being sharpened by something like that. I am sure many of us could stand to be more hospitable.