Sermon Central
-
Seven Deadly Statements Of Church Members
By Thom Rainer on Oct 12, 2022
President, LifeWay Christian Resources
"Words have meaning. And if church members start articulating words consistently, those words begin to reflect the priorities and passions of the church."
Words have meaning. And if church members start articulating words consistently, those words begin to reflect the priorities and passions of the church.
I wrote a little book (I Will) on statements church members make that can move a church toward Great Commission and Great Commandment greatness. But there are some sentences that can prove harmful, even deadly, to a congregation. Here are seven of the most deadly statements:
-
“I like our church just the way it is.” When you begin to hear this statement expressed among church members, you can be certain there is no Great Commission heartbeat. We should never want our church to stay just like it is; we should be constantly seeking to reach new people with the gospel.
-
“My pastor doesn’t visit me enough.” There are so many things wrong with this statement. First, it reflects a ministry where there is expectation that the pastor is to do most of the ministry, instead of equipping others to do the work of ministry. Second, it reflects a dependence and self-centered ministry on the part of church members.
-
“I always vote ‘no’ just to keep the leadership in check.” This person is the disrupter I described in an earlier post. He or she really wants the focus on self. Attention seeking and self-focus are characteristics of this person. They are toxic to churches.
-
“I just can’t worship with our style of music.” The worship wars aren’t over. These church members could never be missionaries because their indigenous people group probably wouldn’t be singing hymns from the hymnals. There is no sense of worship with these church members; they are all about their own preferences and desires.
-
“People know where our church is if they want to come.” This statement reflects deadly ecclesiology and deadly missiology. It assumes that the church is a place; and it assumes that the Great Commission is, “Y’all come.”
-
“I love you pastor, but . . . “ This statement reflects a church member who is both deceitful and deadly. He or she tells leaders they love them, but puts a metaphorical knife in their backs at the first opportunity. These members tear churches apart.
- “I pay my tithes here, so I deserve . . .” This church member sees his or her offerings as conditional. So, in a real sense, they aren’t offerings as much as they are country club dues. They will continue to pay their way as long as they get their way.
To be clear, most church members do not make these statements nor do they reflect these attitudes. But healthier church members should and must speak up when they hear other members making such destructive statements.
Otherwise, the naysayers, cartels, critics, and bullies will have their way in the church. And the church will soon cease being the church.
Related Preaching Articles
-
Soul Cartography: Assessing Your Journey Toward Spiritual Intelligence
By Alan E. Nelson on Mar 3, 2020
Alan Nelson explains the concept of spiritual intelligence and offers pastors and church leaders a chance to assess theirs.
-
The Critical Relationship Between Pastor And Worship Leader
By Chuck Fromm on Mar 4, 2020
Worship Leader magazine editor Chuck Fromm discusses the key imperative in a pastor establishing a meaningful relationship with his/her worship leader and team.
-
Getting An Approachability Checkup
By Ken Sande on Mar 6, 2025
An expert in conflict management, Ken Sande brings his expertise to pastors and leaders to help them relate better with their congregation, co-workers, and families.
-
Are You Leading The Church You’d Want To Attend?
By Bill Couchenour on Jan 25, 2024
Relationships are more important to church growth than preaching, media or music. How are yours?
-
Preach The Tone Of The Text To Bring The Truth Of The Text
By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Jul 22, 2019
A key way to guard from selling-out the truth during in the pulpit is to preach the tone of the text.
-
Top 13 Preaching Mistakes
By Bob Hostetler on Jul 24, 2019
A practical guide outlining 13 common preaching mistakes, with tips to avoid them and deliver sermons that are clear, Christ-centered, and spiritually nourishing.
-
How To Stay At One Church For 40+ Years
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 27, 2019
Discover timeless wisdom on staying rooted in one church for 40 years. Learn key habits, mindset shifts, and relational tools that sustain long-term ministry.
-
10 Ways To Make Your Announcements Better
By Chuck Lawless on Aug 1, 2019
Tired of clunky church announcements? Learn 10 effective strategies to communicate clearly and keep the focus on worship and the Word.
