But there is usually a reason behind the behavior. Sometimes we drop the ball in our leadership, and sometimes it’s the volunteer, but in both cases, an honest conversation is the best first step.
This has been a strange and difficult couple of years. However, extra grace between leaders and volunteers goes a long way to rebuilding teams. Have the honest conversations, value the relationship, and focus on purpose and calling.
3. Some Attendees Have an Agenda Other Than God.
All are welcome to worship, but none should be allowed to hijack your purpose and vision.
Difference of opinion is also welcomed, but the unity of the body of Christ is the priority.
Jesus calls us to love everyone, but He never surrendered His mission to someone with a contradictory agenda.
Hold strong to the purpose of Christ and your vision to see Jesus’ name lifted up. Of course, we must always be genuinely kind, but there is no need to apologize for sticking to the Gospel message and saying no to competing agendas.
Rest confident in knowing you can’t go wrong if your defense is for the Gospel.
We should respect the right of everyone to champion their agenda, and we can still be friends, but we have no obligation to hand over the keys of influence for the mission of the church.
4. The Community Forms Its Own Opinion Without Participating.
We are all grateful for those outside the church who appreciate the positive impact of the church in the community.
But it truly is frustrating when those who don’t know you and have never attended, perhaps not even online, have formed negative opinions.
I have good news and bad news for you here.
The bad news is that this never entirely goes away, there are seasons where it’s higher and lower, but it’s always with us.
The good news is that you don’t have to be held hostage to the negative attacks and corresponding discouragement from unknown enemies of the church, especially from snipers on social media. Just let it go and keep doing what God has called you to do.
As leaders, we are called to love everyone, but we don’t have to personally absorb unfounded criticism or attacks from those with no other agenda other than to hurt the church.
I have included four frustrations, there are others you can name, and they can sometimes get the best of you. But let me offer words of encouragement and a few more thoughts you can take action on.
Remembering one of the most foundational elements of the church helps us all deal with the reality of frustration.
