May I begin by saying it’s incredibly uncomfortable for me to type “Church Leader/Pastor World?” I’m not a fan of separating whole things into parts and giving them a title.
Oh well.
It’s for communication’s sake, I suppose…
Anyway, If there was one thing you (regardless of if you are a church “leader,” a pastor, a church member, a church hopper or a church hater) if you could tell the people who are leading our churches one thing…what would it be?
—–
If you deliver your sermon/programming/environments with a voice directed at *insiders*, then insiders will come. If you deliver with a voice directed at *outsiders*, both will.
peace | dewde
please please please…get a vision and communicate it!
You have terrible taste – please leave decisions about logos, colour schemes, graphic design, church decor and art up to the artists. Not everything has to be your way.
i second that;-)
JuliaKate?s last blog ..Red Velvet
Be truthful. Be genuine. Be real. Be honest. Don’t exaggerate your care, heart or your humility. Be the same on stage and to your staff and to your people. Don’t let your life surprise me if I saw you in another setting.
OK, so that’s not a particularly deep issue, but it’s bugging me a little bit at the moment :-)
Let your message be simply an overflow of what God is showing you. In other words, be authentic.
The only people hanging out at coffee shops during the day are other pastors and soccer moms (at least in my town). Other pastors don’t need your help, and you might freak the soccer moms out.
Jared, evidently you don’t hang out at the coffee shops I do. The biker, police officers, construction worker (not to mention the staff), old retired guys–of course, you really have to sit in the smoking section to get the full effect. Most soccer moms stay away from that section… :)
Thank you all for your service. Jesus was a leader who came to serve and not be served. And for those who follow in his gigantic footprints- big ups to you.
I would also say- Be all about Jesus and the Gospel of grace we find in him.
People can find better products and services elsewhere. Better communicators, musicians, facilities, production, childrens environments, you name it.
But no one and nothing should outgrace us!
Paint yourself in a less than flattering light on a routine basis. Hand over the very thing you fear, a vulnerability with which we can use to cast judgement on you. Put rocks in our hands, knowing good and well that some of us will throw them.
Your humanity and constitution of character will compel most of us not to. We will be invested in your welfare just as much as you are invested in ours. And we will be better people for it.
peace | dewde
Remember that the gospel is bigger than any one person. Don’t let your personal tastes, preferences, prejudices, etc. get in the way of the message of Christ. It will plow you over if you do.
The state of being human and broken is so endearing, do not hide that you have your own struggles. When you act perfect you are unapproachable, and it you are lying.
get out of your office, throw away the key, and find the wifi in your community
Be authentic, don’t hide your struggles.
Don’t focus on the small minority of anxious and destructive people who are in every church (you can’t escape them by changing churches). Focus instead on the vast majority of people who want the Church to be healthy and united–one in purpose and spirit. Focus on bringing peace, unity and purity to the Church. Lead with courage and by following the Spirit of God rather than by testing the wind and catering to the whiners.
Be more concerned with people than with numbers.
Learn how to rest. Most Pastors never find a way to honour the Sabbath. Whatever day you choose, and however you choose to do it, the key is DO IT. Rest. Relax. Shut off the computer, turn off the phone, the church will still be standing the following day.
Keep up the good fight. Keep being men and women of integrity and authenticity. Never forget to spend time with friends and family. They are your next priority after your relationship with God. Don’t get discouraged. Follow God’s leading and He will show you what to do next.
Please don’t forget the single 20- and 30-somethings. A lot of churches don’t seem to know what to do with that ‘in between’ group that is out of college/grad school/those first few years of career life, but ‘isn’t married off yet.’ We fall somewhere between the wide-eyed college grads and the young families. Just because we’re not paired with someone else yet doesn’t mean we’re misfits, although we’re left to feel that way sometimes. I know a church who asks young adults to leave their answer to this ministry when they turn 30, and then you’re shuffled into the group with much older singles with much different life experience that makes it difficult to relate. We want to serve in the church and we want to feel plugged in, but if you alienate us entirely, we’re likely to look elsewhere for discipleship/fellowship opportunities.
not to mention we are the next generation of “financiers” for the church… the church may want to regard this generation before they lose them completely.
JuliaKate?s last blog ..Red Velvet
Don’t tell me to ‘connect’ w/God if you’re not…..believe it or not we can tell….and it seems to me like your ability to be honest and authentic comes from that connection. …..
Please do not let time spent in ministry pull you away from your spouse and children. Set firm boundaries on the time that you give to others. If you lose your family, you lose your ministry too.
I’m going to cheat a little here because the first thing I would do is thank them for being willing to serve in what is sometimes a thankless job. Then, my gentle reminder is that the people within your congregation sometimes have situations or needs that are very serious and your presence can be a simple boost in itself. Don’t think that having small group leaders means you can pass off all the serious situations in your congregation’s lives to them.
Preach the cross! I may hear the cross preached once a year at Easter. If the cross has the power that we claim it does, then we could talk about it a lot more.
Help members overcome their tendency to postpone life trying to learn how to live. Instead live to learn.
Be Spirit-led; not tradition-led. And don’t kiss-up to the people with money just so you’re guaranteed an income. I hope your faith’s bigger than that. Being a pastor or influential church leader doesn’t make you a people-pleaser; it makes you an even bigger God-pleaser.
Seek first the Kingdom, dudes. Seek first the Kingdom…
I’m incredibly SAD about your intentional disconnect with this age group.
Do something about the 20/30 somethings!
Hi, all. I’m a pastor and I have printed off these comments and taped them to my desk. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this everybody.
Stop being religious, start being relational.
North America has become Post-Christian. Teach us how to be Jesus in this Post-Christian world.
How to love gays and lesbians.
How to love Muslims.
How to talk about Jesus instead of morality.
How to trust God’s power to bring about His kingdom.
How to be a community of broken/renewed believers who join together to encourage each other, spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
If you push people out because of their apperance instead of letting them bring a unique flaire to the table you will eventually become like the stuffy baptist church down the road…ineffective and only reaching those you want to reach…not truly living the Great Comission. Live the gospel, and by that i mean love and accept everyone…let them bring something to the table…you will be better off that way….and your influence may grow.
THE STORY is GOD’s GLORY.
get real clear on the servant part of leadership before even thinking that you are equipped to step in front.
As a pastor, a title I discourage people to use when talking to me, I really love these comments.
Mine would be: Keep it relational and real. Don’t become so big you can’t connect with the individual. Love!
1. Are you sure He called you to preach? That burning in your bosom could have been reflux. No, no, I’m serious. Spend some time praying, but mostly listening. Man up and tell the truth, this may not be your gifting.
2. God is so much bigger than your ridiculous set of rules. He doesn’t have difficulty hearing us if we all pray aloud at the same time. He commands us to clap and shout and rejoice. Doing those things doesn’t mean we’ll all be rling in the aisles and foaming at the mouth next week. Loosen up a bit!
3. Please, whatever else you do, stop getting your sermons off the Internet. ’nuff said.
It’s not about the numbers. It’s about reaching people’s hearts and helping them to know Christ.
Teach people to BE THE CHURCH…
Don’t go to church – be the church.
Stop talking like you’re going to do something and just do it already!
There’s no better word for pastors than the ones already given:
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:1-5, ESV).
Start doing what you are telling me to do!
**** posting just so I could subscribe to the thread. as a pastor, this is wonderful. nearly every single comment here is backed by scripture and is cutting me to the heart. praise God ****
Mark J. -dude, totally with you on that one. Lost one of those battles too.
As for what I would say – 1)that pedestal they tell you to get on in Seminary? it is merely a higher place from which to fall in the eyes of those you are trying to minister to when you fall for something . Get off of it and be authentic with those He has entrusted to you.
2) those pastors who told you that you can’t have any friends in your congregation are setting you up to be as lonely in private as they are.
and finally the one that is bothering me the most:
3) it really is Ok and in fact healthy for some folks to leave your congregation. It is not all important that you sacrifice people to the wind just to try and keep serial complainers in church. They are not who they appear to be.
the world has changed….have you noticed?
If you are not fundamentally a kind human being, (not saying “sweet” or “nice,” btw; saying you should know grace) then don’t be a pastor. Period. End of story. Be something else, use your gifts.
The church is not a business, it is a body of believers. You are not doing this to make your self look good in the eyes of other big church pastors. The people can tell the difference in a motive to make you look good vs. Jesus. Please do not hire your relatives and make this a “family” business to make your name look good. It is not a dictatorship, it is everyone loving, serving and reaching out for Jesus together. If church attendance is not growing and money is down, do not blame others or economy. Please look at the motives that are being seen by all but….you.
Authentic, humble, loving servant leadership is what we long for.
Yikes, sorry, that is what I would love to say though. Love the man, do not care for his motives and how he treats those that are not someone that can further “his” church, rich and in high positions. It is very obvious…
Please let go of your pride and be open to learning from others and trying new ideas not insisting on “the way it’s always been done.” As long as His message is reaching the people & they are being ministered to, it doesn’t matter what room or team member delivered it… It’s still a win for the Kingdom….
If you don’t care about the Great Commission, you don’t need to be a pastor. Missions is more than a program, it’s a lifestyle that you need to be the model of.
Become as raw as possible before God. Forget everything else. The Spirit is much better at leading your church than you are.
Must share two:
Don’t for one second assume that you’re immune to an affair, an emotional affair, an angry tirade, embezzlement , entitlement, or other challenges that other pastors face. Surround yourself with men (elders) who will guard your life from these things. Live openly with them. The enemy wants to take you out.
Don’t be afraid to build margin in your life. I know pastors who clean toilets, fix roofs, counsel any who come calling, and pick up bulletins in the sanctuary. Keep the main thing the main thing. Delegate until it hurts.
It is important to allow the Spirit to guide your words and thoughts (Luke 12:12).
Get to know each and every one of the church members. If you can’t do that, your church is too big. Get smaller. Connect with others. Be approachable. You’re not perfect, so stop acting like. Serve others.
Lastly, before you do something, sincerely think about what Jesus would do. He was selfless, ultimately giving his Life. His Atonement should be the foremost thing on your mind.
Remember that Jesus is the Christ.
I say these things in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
My biggest issue with the church is it seems to be focused on creating a bunch of clones. (My experiences anyway.) But they see it as, “We accept everyone! As long as they’re on the path of at least TRYING to be just like the rest of us.”
So I would ask the leaders to truly accept people and not make them “projects”… people can tell when you truly care about them OR are accepting you to change you. We can have the same foundation of beliefs, but not be cookie-cutter images of each other where every stance, thought and conviction looks the same.
Just my 2 cents.
Not everyone who leaves your church is walking away from God into a lifestyle of sin. Acknowledge that sometimes even your leaders need something that your church cannot provide and joyfully support them in seeking out a place where they can receive it. The church takes its cues from you – if you ostracize or condemn people who leave, they will do the same. If you offer grace, compassion, and your blessing, so will they.
Struggle well.
Learn to take criticism and welcome it, otherwise you lack accountability which is essential for anyone who isn’t perfect. i.e humanity.
I know you’re real… I know you struggle with everything from marriage and sexuality to parenting to faith. I know that your relationship with God is like mine- there’s high tides and low tides.
So be real.
And the pressure’s off.
Please don’t get muddled in church politics and enjoy it so much.
Jesus only used the word church twice. He used the word kingdom…well you count them. there is SOOO much teaching on purpose , destiny, being planted in the church. An emphasis on what I should be doing. What has happened to…Seek first the kingdom and the surrounding verses of Matthew 6. just a thought….
All of the commercialized industry flashy stuff doesn’t mean much when you feel like a cow being herded into a large room. Relationships are primary importance. Small groups don’t always cut it. There were functioning relationships in churches before Purpose Driven, and we have apparently thrown the baby out with the bathwater in exchange for a fancy jacuzzi.
Teaching the Word is absolutely the most important thing you do. More than vision statements, programs, cool media or hip clothes, that’s it. Preach the Word of truth with boldness and authority. Without it, none of the other stuff matters.
Stop scratching itching ears (i.e. do not change your message or your methods simply based on these comments or other “surveys of what people want out of church” or “felt needs” types of lists.) It’s the false prophets in Scripture who try to figure out what everyone wants to hear (think Zedekiah with his iron horns) and then say that. Instead, look to the pastoral epistles for how to be a pastor and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ for what to preach.
Be authentic and honest, we know you are a person, not the savior. Open your eyes to the truth that we are your partners with different gifts – Please, pray, confess, and seek first the kingdom – that gives true glory to God.
Be a Jesus pleaser before a people pleaser. In the long run you will end up pleasing the right people
Don’t be so easily enamored and try to follow what all the “cool” big churches/pastors are doing. Figure out what God wants you and your church to do and be; then follow Him on how to get there.
The church doesn’t (shouldn’t) revolve around you. If Christ is not at the center of your church, I’m doubting he’s at the center of your life.
- Thank you for your passion and commitment.
- Thank you for a renewed effort to relevance / contextualization.
- Be active personally in making disciples. Please don’t outsource. Model.
- Have multiple close friendships within your congregation and with lost people.
- Less time in church allows more time for living missionally in the community. Encourage it. Make the mighty calendar reflect this priority.
- The prosperity gospel is a lie. Be cautious here and with liberation theology. Don’t preach it. Just as important, don’t live it.
- Suffering is rare in America in comparison with some other parts of the world. I’ve heard several talk about this lately, but haven’t sensed that they knew what they were talking about.
- Suffering is not volunteering in the church.
- If you are using a message(s) to recruit volunteers or improve motivation for attendance, then re-examine your cart and horse configuration.
- Big is not always better. Jesus worked with 12 guys for 3 years, though he was occasionally interrupted by a crowd.
- Expect lost people to act lost.
- Pursue relational conversion / transformation through Christ. We are not to be about making people be nice or moral.
- Tell better stories. Tell the history. If people get tripped up by who God is and His heart for your community and the nations, then they will have to alter their lives to follow Him.
I’ve sat under many wonderful pastors. You all did very well at loving God and teaching all of us to do it too. But please remember Jesus taught that there were TWO vital commandments – to love God and to love and help our neighbors. Teach BOTH of those, in detail.
They’re a set of twins. Let’s not dress one twin royally, and leave the other in hand-me-downs. Not feed one an overflowing meal, and give the other table scraps. Balance them both as if they’re just what Jesus said: “Like unto” each other in importance. Give the same time to teaching both. Preaching both. Living both.
I’ve heard hundreds (actually, probably thousands) of excellent sermons on loving God. I commend my pastors for those. And, you lived them. So they were believable.
But I’ve NEVER, ever, heard a SINGLE sermon on “loving our neighbors.” A few bits and pieces here and there tucked into other sermons, yes, but that’s all. Nothing on who the Bible says they are (except for our enemies). Nothing on the practical ways we’re to love them. Nothing on how important the Bible says it is. Just nothing.
How? Take lessons from Dino Rizzo’s church in Baton Rouge, The Healing Place. Read his book “Servolution.” (DON”T miss that.) Or click on my name above and see what I’ve said about it (caution – that’s still a work-in progress. Not quite complete yet)
Please realize that the women in the church need strong women leaders and we are NOT second-class citizens, bound by old traditional chains which are NOT covered by true biblical Scripture quotes. We aren’t all about simply teas, fashion shows, and kitchen help behind the scenes!!!
We all want to get along, we members of different churches. Could you help us do that instead of making it harder?
Thank you! you are doing an awesome thing and I love the fact that this church is totally Bible-based. The fact that the Acts church is the BARE MINIMUM level of church excites me. Micah 4:1-4, 2 Cor 3:18, Jn 14:12
a Dangerous (to evil) church is a NORMAL church.
Its time to focus on what is good and right with our church and be outward looking, the clock is ticking……
If your message is forgiveness, then quit judging others.
Outreach is a wonderful thing but don’t let it overshadow needs within your own church as well. Many people in your church are in need of someone to talk to, help with finances, help with life. Don’t schedule so much outreach that you are unable to meet the needs of those in your church as well. It’s a balancing act!
Wow! Great stuff here!
Here is what I would say: Get to work and stop wasting time! (okay I am speaking to myself right now:)
There are some so-called “pastors” out there who are burnt out, controlling jerks who couldn’t be LESS like Christ. Without grace, compassion or mercy.
(Trust me, I’ve experienced it.)
I’d have to agree with @Barby Ward, if you aren’t a decent person, don’t be a pastor.
And to the leaders who appoint those “pastors”: OPEN YOUR EYES!
Stop focusing on the NEXT church (bigger church, better church) you’ll lead; there’s plenty to do in the one you have for the time being.
Please don’t use a 1-2 year foreign mission assignment solely as a resume builder for when you return. The nationals in the field can discern that they’re being used.
Allow women to use their gifts in ministry, even if it may be in a male-dominant field like media technology, graphic design, sound, etc. Don’t assume they can automatically relate only to women or children or cooking. And, although you think otherwise, some women actually desire intelligent Biblical discussions/education, too.
Jesus said “go into ALL the world” not just the 10/40 window.
#1 – It’s not about you, it’s about Jesus.
#2 – whenever you start to think/act/allow others to treat you like it is about you, refer to #1.
#3 – if you are too important to scrub the toilets, you are not ready to preach the gospel.
#4 – if you don’t see how your theology books relate to your ministry, you probably don’t understand the theology books, or your ministry, or either. Or maybe you have the wrong theology books.
#5 – speaking of theology books, keep growing in your understanding through ongoing, rigorous study. This is not the same as sermon prep, and it is not the same as personal devotion. It could be prep work for a book you are writing, but you should keep doing it even when you are not writing a book. If you don’t keep training those ‘muscles’ they will atrophy. Same goes for your Greek and Hebrew skills – keep working them or you will lose them. Don’t have Greek and Hebrew skills? Why not?
Do not preach AT people (fashion your messages based on what you think may be wrong with the people in your congregation).
Do not preach your personal convictions as if they were required to live a Christian lifestyle.
quit getting behind the flock and pushing us! How about leading us?
I have never seen leadership so awesome, brave, inspiring, full of faith, passionate, always stepping up and much much more.
Your always taking the church to another level, it’s great.
You never take your eyes of God and are always taking steps of faith, even if it makes people uncomfortable, (Although being comfortable isn’t a good thing anyway). I love that you won’t compromise or water down what the bible says.
You want to do the very best for God, why shouldn’t God have the very best for his church. You are relevant and keeping church up to date with today and beyond.
It’s a place I would love to invite my friends along to, it’s not cheesy or tradional but life changing.
You and the rest of the team/church are doing an incrediable job and are a great example to non believers and other churches. I’m not saying this to suck up to you, I and many others feel this way and honour and positivity are just two of our cultural pillars.
I can finally say that church is ‘Cool’ Thank you.
Take RISKS…its the only way you will ever reach this generation.
#1 Thank you for your sacrificial service.
#2 Remember other congregations might look different and do things a little differently that you do, but we’re all on the same team. There are “different” people out there who need to hear about Jesus and no one person will be able to touch them all.
You can be entertaining without making church entertainment.
thank you, again and again.
thanks for working at 30-40% less pay than a school teacher w/ 20 more hours a week of work, no weekends, burying people you know are going to hell, and listening to arguments about music, carpet, paint, lighting, etc. all frikken’ week long
tell someone in your church to leave if they’re not happy (see comments above by the dozen waaaa, waaaa, waaaa!)
it’s a miracle you keep your marriage together and your kids aren’t serial killers with the pressure, condemnation, and lack of supprt you receive from most of the Body you serve each day
your flock or congregation, or whatever the irrelevant blonde highlights ‘church’ calls themselves today are not God, and they don’t really spend much time w/ God – that’s why they have so much time to bitch at you
don’t let those who have absolutely no idea what it’s like to pastor condemn you because of their specific selfish, non-Christ centered felt needs and emotional issues
Please STOP promising that our faith will heal us. I have no doubt that God is a healer, he’s already healed me in many ways. But promising a physical healing is not a promise that you as the pastor can make.
If you really, really don’t love or like people, you should reconsider your leadership. Seriously. Preaching the Word is JUST one part of your job. Loving people and being the example and catalyst for that love to your congregation? It’s part of the great commission. If you aren’t there, please step down.
Take correctly interpreting and teaching the bible correctly very very seriously. Sure pop psychology and self help sprinkled with a few bible verses is easier to teach and will be popular. It just ain’t good for your people (and they can get it plenty of other places anyway) People are biblical illiterate and spiritually starved and a big part of that is for lack of solid preaching. They need you to take the bible seriously. They need you to teach the bible accurately. Not just the bits that fit with the topics you enjoy preaching but all of it. Step up, make the extra effort, be unpopular if you have to and preach it!
As a leader you will be paid more than other staff members. You probably deserve it…but don’t let your lifestyle be condusive to flaunting that. If your downpayment is more than most of your staff’s yearly salary, then you might need to check priorities of giving to the poor, missions, etc. Other guys in the trenches who are working beside you need to see you love others more than yourself.
My one thing would be “thank you.” Pastor/Leaders don’t hear it enough, or if they do it often has strings attached.
Thank you for taking your role seriously. Thank you for working hard to maintain your personal health and integrity, so that you don’t distract us from the gospel. Thank you for pouring out your life to teach us truth and show us what it looks like to live the Way of Jesus. Thank you for constantly studying and striving to teach us and lead us in a way that is consistent with God’s Word. Thank you for the sacrifices you make that go unseen. Thank you for pointing us back to the cross. Thank you for admitting your mistakes and being confident enough to stand for what is right. I’m sure you have plenty of people around you to tell you where you don’t measure up, and I just want to say thank you. Continue to find your strength and peace in knowing that God loves you and He has put you where you are on purpose.
Tell the board you need/want to attend pastoral/leadership conferences. Our churches are gonna do a better job over the long haul if leaders get out and learn new stuff. Mix with people from other regions. Hang out with other Rev’s.
Fatigue slowly sneaks up on people & pastors. You need breaks. Take the spouse with you.
Get this written into the budget.
Bring up this topic when you’re interviewing for a new post at a new church, too.
be a person who chases after God’s heart. rush headlong into His arms. be real and vulnerable with Him first and foremost and I think everything else will fall into place.
oh! and it’s ok to wrestle with God out loud. we appreciate that.
I have never seen such down-to-earth, up-to-heaven orientated church. The leadership transparency is par excellence. I just love the atmosphere and creativity, coupled with a determination of the whole leadership to look beyond the challenges. It creates such a pro active church, with strong desires to reach higher individually as well as on a corporate level.
Jesus is very central, declared with the statement: We are bonkers for Jesus. The teaching is totally based on the Word. The desire for salvation of souls is paramount in the meetings. We have no hesitation to invite friends and neighbours to join us. The preached word is always fresh, challenging and encouraging. It is not a place to be comfortable, but stepping out of the boat to make a difference to all the folk we meet during the week.
Visitors are held in very high esteem, no matter what age, colour or creed. All are very welcome right from the moment they arrive through the gate. Honour one another is taken very seriously. Servantship at its highest level.
Children are considered very important, always improving to make a difference.
Finally, it is a place one does not want to miss the getting together. At times I don’t want go away for holiday, because I have to miss the meetings.
don’t be unavailable and invisible outside of Sunday
If you make the focus of your message about volunteering? And you tell us that ‘everyone in this room should volunteer this summer’? Guess what, that includes you too. But I’ve never seen *you* feeding homeless people, working on the landscape or doing childcare.
You claim to be authentic. Put your time where your mouth is.
I would ask them to listen to ALL of ‘Come And See’ at http://www.newspring.cc/series/noperfectpeopleallowed Great advise.
This is my good friend, Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, this is … well, you know. You two need to work some things out.
If you believe scripture is truly the Word of God than why are you so afraid of what man thinks? Quit taking the easy way out of the controversial issues and take a stand! Pastors today are going soft on issues that are front and center in today’s culture. They are refusing to acknowledge simple truths of scripture because they are afraid of offending people, losing support for their ministry and/or being defined by their position. The problem with this is that the position is God’s – not their own.
If you stand on the truth you will have a righteous ministry. You may offend someone or you may lose financial support or popularity but you will gain the respect of those who earnestly want to be taught. If you fail to answer the tough questions, I can not respect your ministry/teaching because you are not following the call to teach the truth.
Spend less time on your program and more time with your people, and encourage your people to do the same. When I find myself lost while driving, I am so very grateful when someone says to me “I’m going that way, just follow me” rather than rattling off some directions with street names I don’t know and landmarks I won’t recognize. Leading is so much more that giving out directions.
1. Learn sabbath.
2. Please allow the church to take hold of the vision for the church for themselves. Your vision is wonderful, but the people need to be allowed to own it!
3. Don’t think you have to do it all. The people in your congregation are more than able to lend a helping hand.
4. Please use your time wisely. Put in a fair number of office hours and visitation hours, but also take time to relax and enjoy life.
5. Please read scripture and pray without your sermon as the only reason!
6. Tell your people you love them and care for them.
Can I say another one? Ok, thanks!
Be yourself! You’re unique and God made you to be you. Stop trying to be the next big thing. I read all of the “cool and hip” pastor blogs and they all look and sound the same. Untucked shirts, messy hair…they love their wife, they love their church, they’re all super excited about their past and upcoming Sundays. It starts to all sound the same. Question things, change things, be you, be radical, don’t be the other guy at that other church. Be yourself!
We love you…we may not always agree with you…but we love you and your family. We will support you in anyway possible as long as it does not go against God’s Word. We may not like what you are doing…but change is never easy. If we really can’t stay at the church for some reason, we will come and discuss it with you before we leave. Again, we love you.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
Any pastor that uses the following words to describe his church, WILL turn people off!
Hip
Relevant
Cutting-Edge
Thanks!
tim
Frankly, I’m concerned that you may not be doing your job. When’s the last time you made a disciple?
My 2 cents…
Stop manipulating people in the name of Jesus and while you’re thinking that one over…stop manipulating Jesus. (And don’t act shocked and self-righteous when someone struggles with understanding why you do those things.) Remember you are also human and it’s okay if we disagree on something, that shouldn’t be a deal breaker. People should never be considered collateral damage….or sacrificed for the sake of “unity”.
That being said….trust God’s plan. For those of you that listen to Him and let Him be the leader of His church…thank you for all that you do. We don’t expect you to be perfect, remember you make more of an impact on all of us when you are authentic and transparent. (Just like us!)
Most importantly…dream God sized dreams!
1. Get out of your office
2. Stop being the pastor to just a few in the church, the rest of us matter too
3. Preach messages that help us with our day to day lives, be practical
4. Practice Grace, not just give it lip-service
As Jeff said… make disciples.
Invest in relationships with your congregation – real, genuine relationships with the “real” you.
Be willing to be vulnerable.
And yes, please take a break and take care of yourself – it’s better and healthier for all of us!
Amen to everything above and……Stop marginalizing single people in your church! We tithe and maybe have more to give as far as time and money than married folks. Just because you are married doesn’t mean everyone else is. We want to participate in church too!
And…..on a more positive note: Your church flock most likely loves you much more than you think they do or are able to show you!!!!
Don’t brag about being the pastor to the stars, the rich, the important. This makes us feel small and insignificant. Be our pastor. We’re not rich or attractive. We struggle… we need you!
Sometimes the people who need to know Jesus the most are the ones sitting in the church on Sunday and not always the ones who aren’t.
Some are called and gifted to add…one person at a time…so that those that are added can then go out and multiply. Not everyone is called and gifted to be talking to large groups and multiplying. We need both!
Some can’t really ‘handle’ the messiest lives…that’s ok…just don’t say that you can.
Keep pressing forward. Listen to God’s calling. Don’t worry about whether you’re ‘doing it right’. If you’re listening to God…you are.
Wow! One thing…. We need to cut the crap, we need to spend less time posturing & positioning & we need to step out and start washing feet. We spend all of time explaining the detail of what it takes to wash feet. We are all afraid of putting our selfs out their.
O Ya by the way it start with me, I believe I will make that be one of my 1st objectives for my day.
Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV)
“For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Where are the prayers and pray-ers? Is there a lack of power in your church? What is the voltage meter registering in the prayer department/ministries?
Foremost, where is the actual cross and altar? Why did you buy the pitch from the seeker sensitive guys? If you remove the actual symbols of the worshipping of God, it appears as a regular meeting room for a crowd. Heck, even the Kiwanis club has their emblems on the wall at their meetings. Why don’t you have a cross up, or an altar? These are central themes in your message. Please quit trying to make the church palatable with a comfortable, tech savy, light show. Bring back some of the elements of our faith so we don’t feel like we are at Starbucks or Kiwanis. We need some separation of church and the world. Challenge us to bring some reverence into His house. I don’t want the “Show”, I want to commune on my sabbath. The world needs authenticty not different version of their country/civic club.
That it’s not about you. It never was, never is, and never will be. I don’t care if you’re jealous of the preacher down the road or want to be like the one on the TV – the moment you think like that, if becomes about what performance you can put on for your audience. It’s not even about how great your church is, and how blessed they are.
Examine your motives daily, hourly, how many times a day it takes for you to take yourself of your self-made or congregation-made pedestal. Admit there’s a little bit of flesh still stuck to the decisions you make, and start making the changes you need to in order to make it all about Jesus.
Not you.
Don’t assume that the negative thing a person says is an attack from the devil. It could be God’s way of getting your attention so you can own your crap, repent of the crap and help others walk into authenticity, humility and healing.
Be human. God likes humans. He made lots and lots of us.
Keep the main thing the main thing – the Gospel.
Depoliticize theology. God is far more interested in helping widows, orphans and strangers, and setting the captive free, than He is in which party we claim.
Lead by example. If you’re not going to be the first person to get hands dirtied by relating with the very people Jesus died for (everyone – there are NO exceptions – this includes those people who are regularly vilified by “good Christian folks”) then you might want to prayerfully reconsider the whole pastoral thing.
Remember, it’s God first and last. The Lord is the Alpha and Omega, not you.
Lighten up. Untwist your knickers. God is not humorless. He made the duckbill platypus…
Love God and love people. It really is that simple.
Be real. Be authentic. Be transparent! We all know you are HUMAN!
Well, I was going to say something clever here. But after reading all of the above posts, I can say that it appears being a pastor must be pretty tough.
Its pretty amazing that a person could even attempt to follow every suggestion above. Makes me glad I gave up on being in the ministry.
deemus wrote:
“Its pretty amazing that a person could even attempt to follow every suggestion above. Makes me glad I gave up on being in the ministry.”
Nearly every single suggestion here, I can take it and have the Scriptures verify it. Because it is the hard Word of God that does it’s work through the power of the Holy Spirit, I will lay broken and pray before God that He would soften my heart to receive His word.
I know that I know I am called to equip the saints (you guys) for the work of the ministry. These suggestions do not crush me but rather they fill me with love, joy and peace because of what God says in His Word.
I pray that the only fruit of the Spirit overwhelmingly fills those are called to an office and those saints everywhere… namely, the body of Christ.
So, I know that probably a lot of church leaders need to hear what these comments say. But what saddens my heart terribly is that Anne never asked for specifically negative or positive comments, and hardly anyone said anything encouraging or uplifting to church leaders. When offered the choice to say ANYTHING, most of what was said was what they need to do better.
Here’s what I want to say to church leaders. You guys freakin rock!! You have the hardest jobs in the world, and you’ve given everything you have to follow one of the most difficult callings that God issues. Hang in there, get ferociously into God’s Word and be strengthened and comforted by it! God is real – He really called you, and what you’re doing is worth it! In weakness, you’re strong. Your flaws are perfected by Him. YOU ROCK!
I want to correct my last post from saying “hardly anyone” to “not many”. I reviewed all the posts and there were more than I first noticed with positive words. Church leaders need constructive criticism. They also need encouragement.
The church is not a business or corporation. It is a living organism – a body. Or, maybe a better way to look at it, is that it is a family. A living, breathing, messy, dysfunctional, broken, funny, marvelous, beautiful, heartbreaking family.
In my observation. trying to operate a church like a corporation (mission statements, strategic initiatives, campaigns, and stretch goals) hasn’t lead to Life.
I want my future church to be less “measurable results,” and more camping trips in the back yard, eating s’mores and telling stories.
Teach the Bible and find your messages there. Please don’t decide upon a message you want to deliver and then pull various scriptures from the Bible out of context to make your point.
Teach the Bible and find your messages there. Please don’t decide upon a message you want to deliver and then pull various scriptures from the Bible out of context to make your point.
Using humor is a wonderful way to reach people. Use examples from your own life, be approachable and be transparent so that we might see God through you.
Please start putting your building (current and/or next) in your budget, and start using fundraising campaigns for things that touch people’s hearts like poverty relief, helping the sick, taking the gospel to the unreached, and taking care of the helpless. Why is the church the only organization that doesn’t see the need to budget their building/mortgage?
AND
Please start equipping your members to do ministry instead of hiring more staff. Even go so far as to label some of them as staff and treat them that way without paying them. I think members want to help and be responsible beyond just volunteering in the nursery. They have a lot more to offer.
It’s all about relationship…………And the CHURCH is NOT a cross between General Motors and your local Rotary Club…………
There are no such thing as Professional Religionators in CHURCH Leadership/Eldership in Scripture………Apostolic Workers(Paul, Timothy, Titus etc) did receive financial support from time to time…..but no local Elder/Leader created a corporation and cut himself a salary check………
Seek FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS…….Please be True Servant Leaders and don’t be a CEO…..Jesus Himself condemned the world system of Hierarchy in Matthew 20 and Luke 22…….
It’s all about relationships!!!!!!!! God and Others
The church should not be about emulating business models or putting on sleek stage shows.
Be salt and light, don’t let Pride get you. Don’t let keeping up with the Jones control you. Live a modest life, give till it hurts and be real, always be real. Don’t micro manage, let people grow grace. Pray, pray, pray and above all else, approach every situation with a towel in your hand, ready to wash even your enemies feet.
That having an opinion and being able to discuss theology and beliefs, even challenge leadership does not necessarily mean we don’t want to build the church or support them. It might mean we just want to make sure we really are doing the right thing.
That the matey, boys club that exists in many modern churches isn’t very appealing to many of us in the church, let alone non-believers.
That not every one wants to be in ‘leadership’, not everyone wants to be on staff at church and our calling and ministry is just as valid. There are people in our worlds that we can reach that you would not ever meet.
That’s three things sorry!
I’d probably borrow something from Da Truth:
“Christ was not a hippy picking lilies with his friends;
Jesus was a man’s man – so men followed Him;”
AND
Why aren’t you focusing more on the orphans? Like God told us to?
Remember to take a vacation!
Teach the gospel message. Let go of the idea that bells and whistles are what people are really looking for in worship. Be authentic at all times, not just on Sunday.
…and one final piece of advisc……absolutley do not let any of the above whiners attend your church………one of these types in a Body of 500 will absolutely kill it
just like they are whining and kiliing thier own churches and missions and everything else they touch….they have no idea whatsoever except for their poor, needy little souls wanting you to save them
Tony,
1 Corinthians 10:12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=10&verse=12&version=31&context=verse
I think “Tony” may be a religious professional……and has had people question him in the past……….. :) :) :)
Just ignore everyone and keep plowing ahead, Tony………..keep fighting the “good fight”……………. ;)
eropper – you got it. i was bored working on my sermon about us needing to keep our self needs from destroying the Body of Christ and starting surfing the net………. uh, nope (but thanks for the stupid assumption, it fits well with the other whiner posts on here)
mark – not too worried about falling on this issue. i’m not the one condemning those that give their lives to service – checked the mirror lately?
they ain’t perfect for sure – but neither are you or me or anyone else on here
funny that you chose to comdemn my comments with scripture, instead of maybe using scritpure to encourage those pastors/leaders that are right now praying that someone, anyone will come to Christ today
oh well, i’m sure your the expert on that too
Whoa!!! I doubt that Anne had this bickering in mind. The defensiveness is very interesting…and scary for that matter.
Personally,
I’ve loved reading through all of these comments (minus the last handful) because they make me feel more connected to “the church” as in “the body of Christ”. It has been refreshing for me to read that many people feel as I do about this thing… this corporate church that has seemed to take over the churches everywhere. I don’t believe God can’t and isn’t doing good things in even the most flawed churches but I do feel so strongly that most (yes, I said that) churches are missing the potential that is there for them because they are missing the simplicity of just falling deeply in love with Jesus and service to His mission – even inside the doors of the church. I have struggled with so much disconnect with churches in our area because the “corporation” in it all gets between me and Jesus on a Sunday morning. I hope many pastors come here and read the overwhelming theme of most of these comments and just get passionate about the simplicity of their call. Just to serve and love and teach the truth.
I pray the Lord richly blesses the ministry of everyone reading this – each and every one of us has a ministry. I pray we all find it and pursue it with a passion.
I heart pastors!
If I could chat with a bunch of them I would try to share my heart on how unnecessary I think it is when within a given Sunday they (some)use a ton of different scripture verses from a handful of different versions of the Bible. Not all of us have been to Bible College or seminary and don’t so much know hermeneutics so I would hope they are there (as our pastors) to rightly divide the word but instead it seems like they map out a bunch of topical messages and find a handful of scriptures that suit their sermons rather then shifting and tailoring their message to what the Bible says. I have no idea what the original text says…shouldn’t they and explain it to us? I would gently suggest that they find the most literal translation, figure out what it meant to the original hearers and then explain it to how it applies to us.
First of all, I would tell them thank you for your service and sacrifice. Being a pastor or church leader is a tough, tough job.
And I would also like to echo the comments above about not forgetting the single folks. You don’t have to cater to us or anything like that, just recognize that our struggles are different from those of our married counterparts. :)
You’re not that important – get out of the way.
Hide yourself in the cross. It’s not about you or your personality or all your novel ideas—it’s about Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. More Jesus—less you. More His word—less your words. More His gospel—-less your pop-psychology. More ‘He has done it’—-less ‘you can do it’. There is comfort for all of us in the simple truth of the gospel. Why has the church strayed so far?!
PS dear church worker, I am praying for you.
1. Be real.
2. Don’t be afraid to not do what that other church is doing.
3. Don’t be afraid to do what that other church is doing.
Treat staff as partners in fulfilling Christ’s mission – not as cogs to be burned out and replaced.
For example, your web person probably knows how to fulfill your mission through the web better than you do. Your youth pastor probably knows how to relate to kids better than you do. And both of them can do it without being expected to work 60+ hours a week and take work-related phone calls at 10 p.m.
To my current pastor, thanks. For being real. For living your faith. For loving your family. For keeping your priorities. For believing in me. For giving grace. For preaching the word. For not being swayed by money. For loving God. For loving pre-Christians. For giving me a chance to grow.
Be humble, none of us are perfect!
Remember your first love and passion as you began pastoring. Remember all the kids that you imparted that love and passion to. Remember, that we are out in the world serving, several missionaries, and the rest supporting those on the field.
Remember you were called once too, and maybe you’ve forgotten what that was….so remember it. If that means you have to leave for other places, God will bring the right man along for the job.
Remember what you gave us, and go find it again.
What I would say (in general) to the pastors I’ve sat under:
The church has to change to be relevant to this world. I am trying to take Christ to my life (which btw is OUTSIDE the church and FILLED with UNBELIEVERS). So how do I do that? “Christianese” isn’t gonna do it. The old traditions aren’t going to do it. The church doesn’t have the luxury of operating as a “christian country club.” And I don’t have the time to go to that sort of church. I need a church that is really reaching outside of itself and a pastor who isn’t all “WEIRD christian” but is a REAL person trying to reach outside the church, too.
Help me! :)
We all have different callings under one Christ…not being totally focused on your particular calling doesn’t mean we don’t support it.
Jason?s last blog ..The 15 year old Catholic school girl sex slave
well it’s more than one but here’s a “Dear Pastor” post I wrote last night:
http://aworshipfulheart.typepad.com/a_worshipful_heart/2010/01/dear-pastor.html
jan owen?s last blog ..Why Does Church Hurt?
I have a lot of “one things” but at the top would have to be transparency. You aren’t going to win anyone without being genuine.
Examine your hearts, humble yourselves and get outside that building.
Love God and people, live in community with one another and serve the world.
Take Jesus Christ very seriously. Do NOT take yourself seriously. The difference is huge.
Michael Spence?s last blog ..Let?s help a most deserving family: Tee Morris and Sonic Boom
when you choose to judge someone because of their appearance and you deem them unworthy to represent you you are not representing Christ.
Lynse Leanne?s last blog ..fitting in/the real me
To teach your church congregation how to make new comers feel more welcomed in church, so they can feel accepted and would want to come back and enjoy learning about the one who saved them. Christ!
Lostbutfound?s last blog ..My baptism testimony
Seek out the potential in the whole congregation.
Nurture us so we can support you better
Lead, from the back.
to live in such a way that people hear and see Jesus when you speak.
peace and love.
Ethan Waters?s last blog ..Waiting for God in the Darkness
I would say, be very careful not to confuse control with leadership. God does not only speak to you, and dictators make extremely poor shepherds.
put your family first. don’t ever make your children or wife feel like they are less important to you than someone else’s broken marriage, or crisis. Obviously care for those broken congregation members, but don’t ever make your children feel guilty for wanting some of your time too.
Lisa?s last blog ..Two More From Henri
1- You’re the pharisees Jesus was talking to.
2- Stop telling preachers stories that didn’t happen to you as if they happened to you.
3- Plagiarism is still wrong, even in the church.
Ann?s last blog ..Sojies 2009
:oD
Rocco?s last blog ..Rain…
Get over yourself and your 30 minute monologue. A monologue doesn’t change lives very much. Really. Spending time with people changes lives.
Remember that . . . He is, and you are not!
Jason Durham?s last blog ..OBEDIENCE COSTS . . . OTHERS
Ok. I’m cheating: but one more. Just remember people spend at least 40 hours per week at secular jobs. They don’t see your programs as the most important things in the world–nor should they. Don’t make them feel guilty for not being at every program or service you promote. Help them to rest in the grace of God–give them a bit of a break. Remember, it is tough out here!
I would say:
Let the fellowship you have with God and your relationship to the study of the word, grace, and love of Christ be the outflow of your ministry
1. “Jesus has left the building!”
2. It is about a relationship not a religion.
3. I concur with Ann above on her #1.
4. When I am ministering to someone via means that are outside your ‘ordained’ program, it doesn’t make it less important! Jesus never ‘worked’ from the synagogue’s evangelism programs.
5. God loves you.
6. Christ’s work on the cross has redeemed and restored your heart, therefore it is ‘good’. Stop believing the lie that it is still ‘wicked’. (Especially stop telling everyone else that theirs is!)
7. When it is all said and done, it simply comes down to God wanting to walk with us in the Garden.
Sorry, more then one there, got a little carried away.
Rocco?s last blog ..Rain…
please stop scheduling meetings in the middle of the day… we (volunteers) have jobs. And be considerate of overworking volunteers on Sundays… unlike you, we work on Mondays.
On a positive note, i love when you tell stories of your own frailties and hang with the congregation for e few minutes after services instead of being whisked away to some far off green room;-)
JuliaKate?s last blog ..Red Velvet
Please don’t move older saints out of ministry even if you think it is subtle-they know. Don’t put children, new believers or new people to your church in positions of leadership & authority. It violates scripture. And it’s asking for trouble. Don’t put people in leadership bcause you are friends or you like them. This will almost always come back to bite you.
Why do large, expensive church buildings sit unused four to five days a week?
As a pastor in the UK, it’s been moving to read these comments. For those of you who have typed affirming words to us pastors, thank you. For those of you with words of criticism, then if you have been hurt by one of our number, I am sorry. I shall shortly be moving to a new appointment and reading these has helped me think about priorities. Thank you, everyone.
Dave Faulkner?s last blog ..links for 2010-01-10
To the leaders of churches who run lean and work their people hard. Make sure your staff is cared for don’t ask them to make the sacrifice of low pay and long hours. At the very least pick one. If you must have long hours pay well so they can afford a few time saving services. Or if you pay low keep the hours down.
Invest in them, build them up, care for your staff. Don’t damage them in the name of the church. Doing God’s work should not tear a person down or endager their family. Please care for them.
doubt that Anne had this bickering in mind. The defensiveness is very interesting
Tell the board you need/want to attend pastoral/leadership conferences. Our churches are gonna do a better job over the long haul if leaders get out and learn new stuff. Mix with people from other regions. Hang out with other Rev’s.
vtunnel´s last blog ..RegToy Vista’y? h?zland?rma program?