This post was written by pastors who added to last week’s list of annoying things pastors need to stop doing. Even the commentary comes from you today, so feel free to disagree with each other, just try not to be annoying about it or I might put you on my next list.
Stop wasting time
When it comes to the digital world and social media, we need to be disciplined and strategic users. Too easily we get ensnared by the latest threads (gossip), and fail to use our time productively.
Stop procrastinating
Another time issue that involves waiting until the last minute to finish a sermon, a newsletter article, etc. You get the idea.
Stop listening to the wrong voices
We need to hear first and foremost from God. Sometimes God uses the voices of our enemies and critics to get our attention, but sometimes they can be a distraction from the mission. Sometimes the flatterers and pleasers tell us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. Let us have Godly discernment when it comes to the input we receive.
Stop being envious
It is so easy to become jealous of other pastors and ministry leaders who seem to be light years ahead of where we are. Let us give thanks to the Lord for them and pray for them to be faithful to God’s call. Let us thrive where God has placed us, even if it is fallow ground. Think Jeremiah!
Stop giving unsolicited advice
We need to listen before we talk.
Stop reacting to problems
When problems come in combos, we need to selectively deal with them.
When the crowd is down, quit using the verse, “Where two or three are gathered…”
Just minister to those there.
Stop blaming others for your mistakes!
Own up to them. Apologize when necessary.
Stop telling the same old jokes/stories.
This can affect the rest of your sermon negatively as people either tune-out or wonder why you haven’t found a new illustration or joke for years.
Stop apologizing over and over
I think being humble is quite different from having no self-confidence/self respect. That is the surest way to puzzle people and zap the confidence, faith, and energy of the congregation in their spiritual journey.
Thank you for reading and responding!
