Changing Lives Through Preaching and Worship

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If an apparently strong-willed pastor admits struggles from the pulpit, it becomes a powerful preaching moment.
—Steve Brown

Our church had just signed a contract for a $3 million building project. I panicked when those I banked on to help pay for it refused.

So I called up every elder and deacon and cajoled them to pledge toward the project. I recruited someone to paste a large picture of our church on a cardboard box and cut it up into bricks of $10,000 each. I also convinced the elders and deacons to stand in front of the church one Sunday and announce their 100 percent support for the project.

Then, as a climax to all my work, I preached a hard-sell message, a the-time-for-fun-and-games-is-over sermon.

We raised the money, all right, but I was criticized severely. I so deeply offended one person, he left the church.

As I look back, I realize how manipulative the sermon was. I practically said that if people didn't give, they would get the fever! At that moment, the church didn't need a blistering prophet who threatened but a gentle pastor who encouraged. In retrospect, I should have identified with people: "This is a huge goal, and even I'm afraid to make the sacrifices required to fulfill it. But if we depend on God, he can give us courage to do it together."

I've been wrong in the other direction as well, being sensitive in the pulpit when I should have kicked the congregation in the seat of the pants!

This is one of the toughest problems modern pastors face. People need and want to hear how a pastor shares their struggles and pain. Nonetheless, a part of them longs to hear an authoritative word to guide their lives.

Different preachers bring different gifts to the pulpit. Some are proclaimers, with an authoritative word. ...

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