Meet the Congregation

Have you meet the common members at every congregation?

Mr. “Come-on-Strong”

This person tries to dominate you the first six weeks after you move to a church to preach. Be careful for he could/will cool off. He may then become a critique and discourage you. Treat him nicely, but don’t do everything with him.

Mr. “What-this-Church-Needs”

He may not even be wise enough to know or he may have already presented these things to the elders and been rejected. Don’t be forced into anything or become a mouthpiece for his position. Get your feet on the ground and make your own determinations as to what the church needs.

Mrs. “Occupy All your Time by Letting Me Tell You All my Troubles”

Mr. “Gigger”

He thinks if he couches in humor what he says to you won’t hurt you. He takes his jabs buy always in a joking way.

Mr. “Have-You-Been-to-See?”

This person wants to set your schedule for you. They may think preachers are lazy and want to be controlling.

Mr. “Always Correcting”

This person feels compelled to correct your English and to pick at your sermons (“what did you mean by…?”) He can be over-dramatic.

Mr. “Never Commend You”

Some may never find a sermon that was helpful to them so as to let you know they appreciate your work on it.

Mr. “Waste Your Time”

“Hey preacher, got a minute?” After a time or two of such episodes, if he wants to go get a cup of coffee, just kindly refuse explaining that you have a full day scheduled and can’t take time that morning. The next time he comes by, kindly talk to him for 3-4 minutes, then pull back up to your desk and pick up what you were working on (e.g. book). If that doesn’t work, take out a pencil, open your Bible and say, “I’ve got these sermons staring me in the face…” If that doesn’t work, it may be time for a restroom break. Stand up, smile and say, “I’ve got to run to the restroom, but it’s been nice visiting with you.”

Mr. “We Need a Sermon On”

He may have something stuck in the craw. Give yourself some time before tackling that subject. You can say, “I’ll see about adding that one to the list.” It is a good idea to have at least a general idea of the sermons you intend to preach the first six months. This allows you to say, “I’ve got a balanced diet laid out for the first several months, but eventually I hope to get around to covering everything.” Of course, this does not include what the elders may ask you to preach on.

Mr. “Question to No Avail”

The sometimes is a person in a Bible class. Others want to waste your study time on something that is inconsequential. Point them to good resources (websites, books, articles) and encourage them to research it themselves. Compliment him but say, “I really never have read anything on that,” and don’t agree to come back to him later with an answer.

Mr. “Brother Jones, Our Former Preacher”

This person constantly compares you to their favorite former preacher. React positively and say something like, “This group loves preachers.” Work hard and they will soon be comparing other preachers to you. By the same token, don’t force the church to hear about your last work.

Mr. “These Elders Here”

Don’t be used by people to get back at the elders. Always support the elders.

Mr. “Chip on the shoulder” (“…and I dare you to knock it off” is their attitude).

Be courteous, but don’t backtrack from the truth.

Mr. “How Do You Spend your Time?”

First, spend your time in good work so there is no need to be ashamed or timid in answering. Be balanced in your use of time: give the church 40-50 hours, but also take time for your family, friends, hobbies, vacation, and self. Remember, you don’t work for deacons; you work for the Lord. Be happy and kind.