One of my favorite quotes from the Bible book of James is "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no." Its a word about integrity. In order to effect a plan for ministry and live into a vision you must be willing to hold steady to the plan you have set into motion. One of the toughest thing a pastor and church leaders face is the heat that often comes with change. People will come at you from all different directions.
The easier route is the way that many church leaders tend to take. The last thing you want is a church that's angry at you. Best to satisfy the loud minority than to make the tough choices that will be best for the Kingdom. Besides, what if someone threatens to leave the church. Aren't we supposed to be growing the worship numbers not running people off?
I don't see that as a proper way of moving forward. We must hold steady on the course we have set in motion. "But what if it causes people to quit?" This is a very serious question and not one to take lightly. Martin Luther left the church for what he believed in and history informs us that he was right! So we don't easily discount those who feel we are absolutely wrong. Instead we pray. Instead we re-evaluate our mission, and if we find that our mission is pushing for the Kingdom come, than we reluctantly say goodbye. But we do not say goodbye with any sense of victory, only with sorrow and hope that the others will find a place where they can be useful to God.
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