ChurchMedic

The other day Bill TB, Mark Stephenson (of WebEmpoweredChurch.com) and Rubin Perry of CTMI (www.CTMIInc.org) and I were chatting about the types of people that a church planter, pastor, and church leader should be worried about during lunch… it was a quick chat - and moved onto other things… but It got me thinking -

so I asked myself: ” What types of people I would warn a pastor/church planter about? ”

1. “Let me tell you about how much money I have and am willing to give to the church” person… or “Buy My Salvation Charlie”

If we, as pastors, are going to be motivated by money, we are in the wrong business. I would call that the business of Prostitution… (yeah sorry I went there)
Did not Jesus Buy us with a Price already ?

If people begin dangling money in front of you - you need to ask what is attached to the purse strings… What is the agenda.
I have been in a church where people have threatened not to support the church with money … (funny I have even done that once) and all I can say is good riddens
if someone wants to tell you about how much money they have - they are ultimately trying to control you - to buy you…
don’t let them buy you - don’t let them control you - don’t let their money become your desire…

God provides for the Birds in the air - and He will provide for your ministry as well.

#2. the “I am going to leave if…” person - or “Take my Ball and Go Home Mahoney

Has anyone of us ever been to a church where someone has not left?
If someone is attending - and they are not happy - is it worth keeping them there?
Lets face it - people are not going to like the way we lead worship, the music we choose, the sermons we give, the ties we wear (or dont) the car we drive, or dare say the Bible version we use…

Hebrews 13 tells us that we will be judged on how we led the church - if someone disgruntled walks out - that is okay. Stick to your God Given Vision - and let them walk… they might just be the prodigal parishioner..
We cannot let someone like this stop God’s mission from being carried out.

# 3. the “This is to Big” person or - the Lonely Bandwagonier

Have you ever gone to a ball game - to a movie - to a show - to a concert and heard someone complain because there are to many fans in the stands?
those that do - might just be complaining because they cannot get the seats they wanted…

When a church begins to grow and attract people - it is because Lives are being Changed… when a person goes to a church that is not just about them - but about others as well
they are forced to realize that worship & fellowship is not all about self edification. Be that as it may - you will have people who complain because the church is just to big…

Do not try to cater to their needs, wants, desires, or limits… Instead find them a venue that caters to their needs, wants, desires or limits - if they are not willing to be stretched you cannot do anything more than just open the door and help push them through it.
or just push them…

Should we really need to ask what would be wrong with the person who is scared that more people are coming to the loving saving knowledge of Jesus Christ… That more people are Growing as Disciples?
Is it the Spirit of God or …. something else that would be against Evangelism, Discipleship and Care for the masses?

# 4. the “Feed Me” person - or Seymore (feed me seymore feed me)

Have you ever had anyone tell you that they are not being fed at their church?
I always ask the question - if you go to a restaurant and buy a meal - and are always hungry when you eat at that same restaurant - then perhaps your dining at the wrong place.
People expect that they can walk in the door and be fed… as if it is the pastors Job… and not theirs. Spoon Feed Me please…

I have rarely, after speaking with these people, met someone that is really doing daily devotionals and eating Meat. Instead they all seem to be someone who wants to be spoon fed. Most do not open up the Bible… except @ church… if even then.

As a pastor I think our job is like that of a shepherd: we lead the flock to the water and grassy hills - but we cannot eat or drink for them. We can bring them to the Gospel, Disciple them and try to Feed them — but they need to choose to eat…

#5. the “Well my other church….” person or ” Johnny My Way”

I struggle a lot with this type of person. Recently I sat in a service and heard a man praying against the sins of the pastor and the church. Against the contemporary music and the way things were being changed.
After speaking with a few people about this - I changed my mind. It is time to tell the person who says “at my other church we used to ——fill in the blank—-” that this is not that church and its time to either go back to that church or find one just like it.

Don’t apologize for stepping in faith.

#6. the “This place is to judgmental” or “James and a 1/2″

Anytime a pastor (or prophet) calls people out in their sin - anytime we preach repentance you may just be labeled as a judgmental Bugger.
Is it not true however when you call people out - when you preach - when you stretch someone that the crap might just hit the fan ?

When we preach on sexual immorality and people complain maybe its because they are upset because they are sexually immoral.
the person who gets angry when you preach on adultery are those who want to - or are committing adultery.
the person who gets angry when you preach on giving is most likely the one who has Money as their God… (where do they store their treasures?)
The person who gets angry when you speak out against gossip is most likely the town / rather church Crier (i did not say choir… lol)

See for Pastors - preaching about sin is not easy… and that is okay.

#7 - The “I Want To Know The Pastor If I’m Going To Be Here” Person ” Mr. Know them All

As a Pastor we are called to Lead.
I know it sounds funny - but that does not mean we are called to go to dinner with everyone in our parish - or to be their best buddy.
Exodus 18 and Acts 6:1-7 come to mind here…
While the pastor should know the people in the parish - it does not mean they should be their best friend. The Pastor should first Love God, then their husband/wife then their children and then the church. (In that order!)

If someone comes in claiming they need to know everything about you… Think twice there might just be a hidden agenda.

#8. The I need to inspect the Parsonage: or “Inspector Gidget”

I have witnessed a pastor who had someone walk into their home, the SPPR director never knocked but rather just walked in.
This is a complete and utter lack of respect for the Pastor, their position as well as their families right to privacy.

If this happens - pick up a hammer and chase them (okay … so good your still reading… that was a joke but after all this is a bit long)
Put your foot - heck - put your feet down.
Demand inspections that are announced - pre-determined and require them. Be in control and invite the Mr. Inspector Gidget on your terms and not theirs.

Chances are that you will make people upset because of a message that you preach… If your not Pray for that message - begin to challenge people and then Get ready for the ride.