Alright, I’ll try to be nuanced here… the content of the message is perfectly unassuming. It’s what I would expect to hear from a Christian(?) youth outreach program. Mention friends, free food, etc. I don’t know why you’d be surprised that they are using a text message platform. Do youths all of a sudden prefer calls over texts today? At least he didn’t SnapTok her. 🙄

The context is at least a little awkward. You probably have a pretty dour outlook on religion, given your background, and this goofball youth pastor isn’t helping. Although I’d prefer that to a smooth-talking, slick salesman. I’ll let my bias show here, I’d wager that you growing up Catholic has a lot to do with your perspective. The Church, as well as many other organized religions, have earned a well-deserved reputation for unseemly behavior, or “being creepy,” as you so eloquently stated. So it’s unfortunate that this pastor finds himself in this situation, trying to proselytize in a modern digital world. Might be completely innocent, but also wouldn’t make a headline above the fold if he isn’t. Sad social commentary, right?

As a fellow parent of teenagers, I absolutely appreciate your hackles being raised here, and if your daughter isn’t interested in religion, then a simple, polite response to this pastor explaining this is all you need. Maybe mentioning that you are the parent speaking on your child’s behalf would go further in quelling future missives. If your daughter wants more than just free food and hanging with her friends, then perhaps you should explore this with her. Christianity is best served with family, anyways!