Ministry Inside.71
- Published
- in Ministry
What is this going to cost?
I have a limited amount of money. It does not expand beyond my paycheck each month. Therefore I need to live within our budget and think about what I purchase. After all, if I purchase something today, I may not have the money to purchase something else tomorrow. There is a limit to my financial resources.
Good leaders pick their battles. Others seem to enjoy picking a fight. Yet, not every hill is worth dying on. You can go to battle over an opinion, a preference, or a concern today, but this may have implications for tomorrow. Be sure the battle is worth it. Far too many battles have been rooted in someone’s pride instead of a worthy cause. Consider whether or not this cause is important to Jesus.
Four suggestions:
1. Before going to battle for something, make sure the hill is worth it. Check with several wise people to get their feedback. You may not hear what you wanted to hear, but this will help your thought process. Far too many people are impulsive and rash in what they do. These leaders have a way of wearing people out. If you wear people out today, they may not have the energy for a much greater cause next month.
2. Remember that good will is not given to a leader in an infinite quantity. Churches will give a leader good will and the benefit of the doubt if they think that leader has earned it. However, one generally has only so much good will at his/her disposal.
3. Persistence and perseverance are great qualities. Some people see themselves as being persistent when it fact they are perceived as being obstinate, bullheaded, stubborn, and difficult. These qualities have a way of wearing others out. Consequently, you may wonder why others do not have the interest, much less the passion, about a new concern. They may be exhausted.
4. Be upfront genuine and avoid manipulation. A church leader once told me about something that he wanted to do in his congregation. He said that went ahead and did it without going through the proper channels. His explanation? “It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” That is nothing less than a manipulative ploy. That is a good way to damage one’s credibility and wear out one’s welcome.
Good advice. I will share this with our students.
I have often heard #4 cited (and, to my shame, have used it as justification in the past). But to use it implies a certain arrogance, “I know better than others, so I will do it my way anyway.” True that at times a prophetic move may need to be made to do what is right, but we should keep in mind that prophets were rarely forgiven by the people.
Phillip, great to hear from you. You are right, #4 does imply a certain arrogance. Good point.
You are so right regarding a prophetic move being required at times. Unfortunately, when ministers resort to being manipulative, we can get in the way of the way of the message that needs to be communicated. Instead of the focus being on what we needed to say that was true, a congregation can get focused on our manipulative ways.
Thanks so much Phillip!