From a pastor's point of view...

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!

 

Read the book "Well Intentioned Dragons." Many of these folks are using their good deeds as currency to "buy" something from you - support for their pet projects, looking the other way at a sinful habit or getting you to compromise a principle. However, a great many folks want to be good to the preacher because they love the preacher and love his Lord. Keep a suspicious eye with a soft heart.

Need to know more information. Depends on the circumstance and how much authority this person has. I have no problem with the janitor saying "I WILL buy the toilet paper tomorrow and that's final." That's their job. But it's a far different matter if someone is trying to usurp the function of an elder.

I think these are your average Baptists Sad, but true. Remember, sometimes these folks are right. Everyone also has their own preferences. Examine your motives when presenting something new. Change takes time. Bring people with you. Empower them to take ownership of the change. It can happen!

Some people are just not outreach kinda people. Some people are shy. And a great number of people are just not complimenters or complainers. Beats them being constant whiners No one needs to be addicted to the praise of his people.

First, what makes you think they don't always enjoy them? Are you that bad a preacher? Seriously, take it with a grain of salt. As for those who wish to dispute or debate, thank God for them. At least they were paying attention! Encourage discussion. If they have valid thoughts, go with it. Compare Scripture with Scripture and let God's word loose. Teach your people good hermeneutics. About once a quarter I had Q & A on Wed night or occasionally Sun nite. I keep a comment box and address some of those, or address questions that people have posed "at the door." Once in a while, I take a question or two from the floor. Keep it from being a gripe session. It's a lot of fun!

 

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