By Ken Blue
Everyone should know there is a different protocol when we are in our own home, or a guest in the home of others. As guest, we sit where instructed to sit, and we follow the lead of our host. This shows respect and gratitude for their hospitality.
I believe visiting pastors should show the same respect when ask to be a guest speaker in another church. It is embarrassing and nauseating to witness the behavior and antics of some speakers. Their goal seems to be to display just how rude and obnoxious they can be. If you must take your coat off, roll up your sleeves, loosen your tie and take your shoes off when preaching, why not do it before you get to the pulpit? Is there some hidden message you’re trying to send? I have witnessed guest speakers break furniture, stand in pews, and insult certain ethnic groups. We had a guest speaker who made the comment, “what has the American Indian given America besides the canoe?” I am thankful those dear church members were absent that night.
When invited to speak, find out the nature of the meeting; and what the pastor wants you to preach. If it is a missions conference, Bible conference or a souls winning conference, find out and plan accordingly. Ask the pastor how many minutes he wants you to preach, and then honor it to the minute. Remember, you are not at home. You might ask if he wants to handle the invitation or he want you to. So, show respect and be professional. You are not there to scold or browbeat his church members. Your job is to edify and build up the saints. You are the guest, so don’t forget that! Be rude and crude, if you must, but do it in your own home.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.