You want to reach your pastor with “the truth?” Let me sugges | Wanda Alger

You want to reach your pastor with “the truth?”

Let me suggest several things. First, don’t come off like you’re the expert. Regardless of the truth bombs you share, a true pastor is looking for heart posture before information. Don’t make them the enemy. Pastors are all about relationship. This is what makes them such good pastors. So, if you want to win them over, care about them first. Take time to hear his or her heart and demonstrate your desire to build up the church together.

Secondly, when sharing about an issue that you’re concerned about, keep your language to “I see, I feel, I believe, etc.” rather than on “Why don’t you….How can you….When are you….?” If a pastor feels attacked or challenged, his or her energy will be directed towards self-defense rather than healthy debate. You can offer information without forcing the issue. Invite them to consider these things and then go pray. If you really love and care for them as individuals, you’ll pray for them even more than trying to shake them awake.

We have folks in our congregation who don’t agree with Bobby and I concerning “politics” and government. But, we have determined to pray for each other and allow Holy Spirit to convict our hearts if and when necessary. As a pastor, Bobby’s first call is to care for the people to make sure they feel safe. Changing belief systems takes time. Shocking the system doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, we have to disciple them towards the truth instead of dumping it all on them at once:-).