Bad reports stymied those freed from Egyptian bondage first thing out of the shoot. Words carry weight. God is the Creative Word speaker and man follows in those steps. What we say goes.
Tell the congregation you serve how good they are. Point out to your elders their strengths. Explain to your staff what you notice of them doing just the right things. Bless your congregation by pointing out what good givers they are or what amazing servers they have been.
Media leans toward the negative. So can pulpits. We must bend our people toward the joy and peace found in Christ. One of the ways to do it successfully is to build a contagion of enthusiasm for kingdom work. Tell about God working. Use words to build hope. Share how God works within the congregation by publically noting awesome timing and participation among flock efforts.
Encouragement goes a long ways and we can know it is of God. After all, He sent sixty-six notes to give us a heads-up!
2 comments:
Terry,
Good reminder. It is so easy for us to "let 'em have it" too often in mostly inappropriate and ineffective ways. My first “preacher mentor” once showed my how to preach negative and corrective sermons in positive ways. Rather than tell them what is wrong, tell them what is right and that takes care of the wrong. Certainly, there is a time for the “let ‘em have it.” Jesus found that occasion. But, not as often or seemingly for the same reasons that we often do.
If we shine the light on the darkness, the darkness will be dispelled by the light. That’s much better than simply cursing the darkness – the darkness will still remain.
BTW: I still haven’t put together a t-shirt for the TERRY RUSH FAN CLUB on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2260710238). I guess I’m still waiting until you have as many fans as Jeff!
Best post ever, T. R.
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