Six Reasons Why “People Are Saying . . .” Is the Most Frustrating Comment for Church Leaders – Rainer on Leadership #562

Podcast Episode #562

SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes • RSS • Stitcher • TuneIn Radio • Google Play • iHeart Radio • Spotify

When a pastor hears the phrase “People are saying . . . “, it brings a great deal of anxiety. But should it? Today, we discuss the reasons for the anxiety and how to deal with it.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

We should address grievances directly with one another in the church—not through gossip.
Critical views are typically held by only a few in a church, but their size often gets magnified when they are anonymous.
Criticism is often magnified beyond its real scope.
The negativity of one criticism often feels 10 times greater than the positivity of one compliment.

The six reasons we discuss are:

It is an unbiblical cop out.
It fails to address the critic directly.
It is usually magnified beyond reality.
It is very much like an anonymous letter.
It causes dissent and disunity.
It is a diversion from what really matters.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Church Answers
One Sentence That Pastors and Church Staff Hate to Hear
Seven Considerations for the Church Leader Who Receives an Anonymous Letter
Revitalize2020.com


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen has been serving churches for nine years, but did you know that Vanderbloemen also serves Christian schools, nonprofits, and Christian businesses? So if you’re listening, and you know a Christian school, nonprofit, or values-based business that is hiring, contact our friends at Vanderbloemen for your staffing needs.

For more information, visit Vanderbloemen.com.

The mission at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. The school offers more than 40 different degree programs, including the new Master of Arts in Church Revitalization in partnership with Church Answers and the Revitalization Network. This 37-hour degree is designed to help students move established churches from flatlining to flourishing.

Learn about this program and more by visiting sebts.edu. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get there.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.