pre·emp·tive
/prēˈemptiv/
adjective
1.serving or intended to preempt or forestall something, especially to prevent attack by disabling the enemy:
"a preemptive strike"
When the General Conference happens in February it is going to be all over the news. It is very likely that pastors and churches will need to declare their opinion on homosexuality. Will we welcome and accept everyone, or will still consider it a sin? There are many good people on both sides of the issue.
In my opinion, a church and a pastor has one of two choices. Either wait to see what happens in February or take a preemptive strike on the issue now.
Those that choose to wait run the risk of allowing the media to shape the issue. They will also be forced to act upon the issue when people's emotions are in a heightened state.
Recently, two of my friends took preemptive action. They wanted to control how the message was delivered. They wanted their people to know where they stood. They wanted to get the bleeding over with so that when February came it would have no effect on the church.
One pastor talked with his staff. Determining that they were all on the same page, he told the congregation in a sermon that they would be welcoming everyone. Many were happy. A few left. That was painful. But he controlled the message and the bleeding is over.
Another pastor brought in all of the former pastors of the church. Together, they stood in front of the congregation and told them about the church's historic identity of welcoming everyone. They took a preemptive strike. They controlled the narrative. A few were unhappy, a few left, but the issue was managed according to the plans and leadership of the pastor.
Those who wait until after February 26 to talk with their congregation are going to be doing so in the midst of a media firestorm. I recommend that Pastors take the initiative and talk with their congregations now instead of waiting for the media to paint the issue. Step out, take the lead and work through the difficult situation.
In general it is always better to take a problem head on. Face it, name it, deal with it and move on.
But I am retired. What do I know?
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....
Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
No comments:
Post a Comment