One of the lessons I’ve learned while being in the ministry for the
past 16 years is sometimes what people say isn’t exactly true…things
such as…
WARNING…
(you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that
preaches MY view of the Word. I think the King James Version translation should be
used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be
ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will
leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three
friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were
enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right
about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer
requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet
peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots”
because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just
ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s
vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people
pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience.
If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that
the church needs my money, reducing you to an ineffective preacher…one
who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone
knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are
different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical
preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate
spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy
feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on
you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it
personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and
pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I
think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks,
even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember,
it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not
mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get
a smile out of this. 🙂
Hmmm….I did pay attention to the Warning, but I can’t say that I disliked the post – I just didn’t understand/relate to it. And I’m sure that’s because I’m neither a pastor nor a staff member of a church. Heck – I’m not even a MEMBER of a church.
But I did find your points very interesting, and I think they can be applied in many other situations in life.
I’m not a pastor or a staff member, but I am a church leader, and yes I enjoyed the post. I, too, smiled as I read. But then I was reminded of a recent encountered I had with a 9-year old who said “I’m leaving the church” (speaking of the church she’s been active in with her father). I kind of brushed it off like “little girl you aint going no where!” But much to my suprise, her mother allowed her to join a different church (the church where her mother is a member). Wait…oh wow…it just came to me…(Thank you Holy Spirit). Her mom is like that too :-/
Danielle,
Thanks for your comment and I agree, the answers can be applied to many situations in life. Thanks for sharing. If you don’t mind me asking: Do you attend a church? If so, I’d love to know which one. If not, care to share?
Pastor Stowers
Que P.
BTW, I love your blog & read it regularly!
A 9 yr old leaving church – too funny. I guess an apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Pastor Stowers,
Most Sundays I go to St. Christina Catholic Church because it’s so convenient. No matter what time I wake up, there’s a service…8am, 9:30, 11, 12:30, you get the point, Lol.
But I have visited your church before!