3. Be clear about your willingness to help, but beware of solving.
Most leaders who have been in church ministry for any length of time know that people expect that leaders can fix things, but most of us have learned that this is rarely true.
The more we try to give pat answers to every question, the more trouble we cause.
One very prominent and somewhat controversial pastor actually has photocopied sheets in his office on hundreds of subjects. People NEVER leave his office without receiving one.
Do they fix people’s issues? Doubtful!
That’s not to suggest we should be neutral on all topics. Far from it, we have a responsibility to have an opinion based on sound Christian principles.
When all is said and done, though, our job is to usher people toward godly resolutions—not handcuff them to our narrow perspective. It is both dangerous and arrogant to be the last and only stop on other people’s journeys.
You are IN service, you’re not a service station! There is a huge difference between caring and fixing. Go for the former, the latter is a dead end! Stop being fuel-ish!
Blessings,
Doug
