One of our leaders noticed what was happening and realized that was not the best way for me to spend my time, as many were waiting to talk and someone else could try to help this woman. So this leader came and took the initiative to politely take her to someone else to help her. Train your leaders to notice these moments as folks come asking for food or clothes so they can come to intervene. For me to pass them on to a deacon who is better equipped to help them in that moment than I am is a tremendous blessing to all involved.
If a person is upset with the decision you made at the members’ meeting earlier in the week and is making a scene while berating you about it, find another pastor to come and help take that difficult situation for you. Then you are able to move to the next person. Train your pastors, deacons and other leaders to think this way and be aware of what is happening, and with discernment, jump in if needed.
Remember the sheep most commonly neglected.
It is hard to pick and choose in these moments. That is why most pastors feel like they fail at it. However, what we can be sure of is that the sheep most neglected are those who do not fight for your time and do not wait in large lines to talk with you. They do not want to add to the line and burden for you. Be willing to ask someone to set an appointment with you at the office that week to talk about that issue that will require a longer conversation than you can give them on Sunday morning, so you can prioritize seeking out that passive sheep that needs your care.
There you go. Remember, just suggestions to muddy the waters a bit more in this messy balance. The point is, pastors should be deliberate enough and leading the conversations enough that we do not allow our time to be dominated on Sundays by someone else. Be gracious. Be wise. But choose who you will talk to and for how long. If you do not choose, trust me, someone else will choose for you.
