Lunch was great. But you know what’s next. And it’s not the bill. “Pastor, I’d like to talk to you about something …” From there you hear yet another complaint about the church—what you’re not doing, what you could be doing, who’s being neglected, who feels rejected. On and on it goes. Instead of listening, you start nodding—not in agreement with him, but affirming … [Read more...]
The plastic smile: “Pastor, why should I tell someone how much I’m hurting?”
Encouraging people who are hurting or struggling to share their experiences with others in the church is usually good advice. When a person shares, he is often surprised to learn that others have dealt with, or are dealing with, similar circumstances. Rich comfort and encouragement frequently come from such conversations. However, some who hear this advice will push back. … [Read more...]