Entirely different topic. Considering the main strands of styles of church lesdership ekdets, deacons. As a congregstionsl church we have diaconate who are task oriented to support pastor. No elders. Can the diaconate take on teaching and discipleship support of congregation notwithstanding functional distinction in NT?
Lots of excellent advice here; I passed it along to our staff. Thanks for the helpful warnings on harping, hovering, cornering, and simply failing to read the room.
The person preaching also needs to be aware of the presence of newcomers. Once the sermon was on the topic of addictive behaviour. I had brought a person who struggled with alcohol addiction to the service, assuming it would be a safe space, not realising the topic. The delivery was unremittingly and fundamentally the position addiction was sinful with various proof texts. Reading the room, with various newcomers there was no mitigation of the effect on these unfortunate whose response was never to enter church again.
I agree. Sometimes, this doesn't work - you just have to address a tough issue. But you can always do it authentically and with awareness of different experiences in the room.
So helpful !
And you know what I’m
Not going to sit on the end of the pew anymore ! Point noted 🙏
Great advice!
Entirely different topic. Considering the main strands of styles of church lesdership ekdets, deacons. As a congregstionsl church we have diaconate who are task oriented to support pastor. No elders. Can the diaconate take on teaching and discipleship support of congregation notwithstanding functional distinction in NT?
I am guilty of some of those things. And have been on the receiving end.
Great advice thank you.
Lots of excellent advice here; I passed it along to our staff. Thanks for the helpful warnings on harping, hovering, cornering, and simply failing to read the room.
The person preaching also needs to be aware of the presence of newcomers. Once the sermon was on the topic of addictive behaviour. I had brought a person who struggled with alcohol addiction to the service, assuming it would be a safe space, not realising the topic. The delivery was unremittingly and fundamentally the position addiction was sinful with various proof texts. Reading the room, with various newcomers there was no mitigation of the effect on these unfortunate whose response was never to enter church again.
I agree. Sometimes, this doesn't work - you just have to address a tough issue. But you can always do it authentically and with awareness of different experiences in the room.