My Worst Faux Pas in Ministry
October 1, 1984
Once while ministering in Lexington, Kentucky, I tried to grab attention by announcing my next sermon: "Five People I Would Like to See Go to Hell." Obviously, I wasn't consigning anyone to eternal punishment, but I named five individuals I wished could see what hell is like and return to warn the rest of us.
A reporter heard about it, and a story appeared on the front page of the local newspaper. Half the congregation was amused; the other half was angry at me for creating such a stir.
The night I preached the sermon, another reporter was there. In the next day's edition, his story was kind and did not question my sincerity, but he observed that such sensationalism does not enhance the influence of the church.
The rebuke was justly deserved, and I resolved never again to resort to such tactics to get a crowd.
-E. Ray Jones
First Christian Church
Clearwater, Florida
One Sunday morning I was preaching from John 13-14 on Jesus preparing a home for us in heaven. I described the Jewish customs of marriage and told how the potential bridegroom would seal the marriage covenant with the bride's father and then leave for a period of time, often preparing living quarters for himself and his bride at his own father's home.
I went on to explain that while the groom was gone, the bride would spend the time getting ready for the wedding, preparing her trousseau.
Well, instead of saying "trousseau," the word came out "torso." People began to snicker and poke their neighbors. I realized what I had said, but I was too intimidated to back up and correct myself. I went on and hoped they would forget.
They did not, nor have they allowed me to forget.
-Joseph M. Stowell
Highland Park Baptist Church
Southfield, Michigan
I once pastored a church that met in ...
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