I’m thinking about a minister I know. I like him a lot as a friend. He’s fun to be around, and he’s quite well-read. This makes him an interesting conversationalist. His talk is generally not self-centered, however. Instead, he seems sincerely interested in what others are thinking, and he’s a good listener.
If I lived near where he does, I think he would make for a great pastor. I’m not as confident in terms of having to listen to his weekly sermons. For whatever the reason, the few times I have heard him speak, he was almost impossible to follow. Truth be told, it wasn’t long before I gave up trying. As I looked around, I could tell that I wasn’t the only person struggling to stay attentive.
Now, this friend of mine could teach some really good preachers I know a whole lot about getting along with people. But would they listen to him? Probably not!
These really good preachers could also teach my friend a great deal about effective pulpit communication. But would he be open to their input? I rather doubt it!
Most of us remain defensive when it comes to our areas of weakness. We scream in pain when someone attempts to make straight what’s crooked about us. That’s true even when it’s God who offers to do the healing. It’s probably why Paul writes in Galatians 6:1 about restoring people gently.
It’s also one of the truths I attempt to remind myself of when I tend to start pontificating about what’s good preaching and what’s not.
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You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.
