…What do you think of people in your congregation who seem to be always trying to get on your ‘good side;’ acting overly friendly and cooperative and offering to do things for you?
…What do you think of people who are always trying to guard their positions, as committee chairpersons, department directors, organizers of some sort, who show an attitude of “I’ll decide how we do this,” or “This is my say”?
…What do you think of people who are skeptics, or “knockers,” who have something negative to say about any new program or proposition? Especially if they never propose anything positive or progressive themselves?
…What do you think of people who are faithful, but passive and reticent; don’t take part in outreach, speak little or nothing to visitors or anyone except their close friends, offer no criticism and no affirmation?
…What do you think of people who think they have to comment on your sermons, one way or another; by saying they “enjoyed” it so many times they are not believable, or who call attention to factual errors or think they can disprove something you said by another scripture than the one you cited?
From a pastor's point of view...
Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Alcott, Nov 17, 2005.
-
-
I "think" people will be people, regardless of their spiritual position in Christ. As long as they have the flesh with them and do not walk in the Spirit they will react in those ways. Do not get overly skeptical of everyone who wants to do something for you. That is some people's way of trying to serve the Lord. We need to spirit filled people in the pew as well as the pulpit.
-
I agree with MiG. There will always be people who do these things. I guess the one I find annoying is the people in the paragraph about "those who are faithful, but passive..," which our churches are filled with!
-
-
I wouldn't look too deeply at it. Use your discernment and go on from there. There aren't any pat answers. Some are sicere, some aren't, some are crafty, some aren't. You need to be careful of some and not of others.
Again, use discernment.
I once had a man tell me, "Great sermon, but you really didn't develop your third point." This man also told me once, "I agreed with everything you said, but I didn't like the way you said it."
You'll never please everyone. Some you won't please at all. -
I say welcome to the ministry. Every church has every type of individual or group that you described. All the sheep aren't the same but they all need a good undershepherd. An old preacher told me something one time when I pastored my first church and discovered all those folk you mentioned. He said this and I thought it was good and I have remembered it often :
"Just love em son, just love em!"
He was right. I surely haven't "arrived" concerning ministry but I have found out that we can't be angry nor worried at those we pray for.
It takes all that anxiety away that sometimes comes with dealing with people and their quirks. -
{Post removed due to violation of Baptist Board Rules)
[ November 20, 2005, 09:23 AM: Message edited by: TomVols ] -
Jay and Kelly,
Have you seen my pm to you?
If you really need to talk you should begin privately. and not openly.
I am not a moderator of this forum, but because of your public attack on a BB member and moderator, I have reported your post.
Brother Dallas