THE WRECKING CREW

Critics in the Church.

By Ken Blue.

Every church has critics in the church.  They are like members of a demolition crew. These men/women cannot be detected by steel toed shoes or by hard hats. Most of them wear suits and ties, and have just the perfect hair cut. They will also be seen with their Bible and may sit in the “amen” section.

One of the ways you can detect them is by asking yourself, “What positive thing have they done for the ministry?” The answer, in most cases, will be “nothing.” They act big, talk loud and love attention, but are the first to give the pastor problems.

What is the “ball and chain” they use to wreck a church and its ministries? The first and most lethal is that of gossip. For this to happen, certain people must spend lots of time together without the pastor or staff present. There will always be a “foreman,” but it will be hard to identify him at first. Usually, a select family or more will be invited to their home for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. This is done without the Pastors knowledge or approval.

You can never stop people from gossip. The best remedy is to preach a few sermons on it, and emphasize from the pulpit the positive things God is doing in the church. As a last resort, it may be needful to call the leader in and confront him about it. Be sure to have one or more staff or deacons present.

Another action that will hinder or demolish your teaching, is for some family or families to have their favorite pastor, evangelist or Bible teacher who is not connected with your church in any manner. You cannot pastor those who put their favorite teacher ahead of you, and are checking your teaching by what their “guru” teaches. One fellow who was reading my books said he checked by the writings of Dr._____.The only way to deal with this team is meet them head on and put a stop to their actions. If they are unwilling to do that, ask them to leave. Again, always have staff and deacons present when dealing with these problems.

A third wrecking crew is those who do not give, or they designate their money to their favorite missionary or ministry. If you have too much money designated, you cannot pay the needed expenses. Do not ask people to designate unless you have a specific project. However, ask them to give it above their tithe. Explain the problem designated monies cause. Most people will understand and work with you. However, there are those who never will cooperate. What should you do? Either return their money, or use it for their designated purpose.

Another area the wrecking crew loves to work on is the finances. The best way to handle this problem is to work with your deacons and one other person who is skilled in finances and develop a budget. Have everyone involved to sign a cover page indicating his or her involvement and approval. The cover page should be attached to the budget with information how it was compiled. Add a paragraph stating that anyone having a question about the budget may go to the deacons. Tell them to not to come to the pastor or staff. Also, state that the budget will not be discussed at any meeting. It will be voted on and approved or disapproved. This procedure disarms those who are seeking status and want to cause trouble. Make the budget and the cover page available 30 days prior to the vote.

The final area the wrecking crews seek to work is in the setting of policies. Remember, those who control the budget and policies, control the church. Policies should be finalized and approved by the pastor. If necessary, this procedure could be formalized in the same manner as the budget.

Be aware, that Jesus, the Twelve, and the Apostle Paul could not escape their critics, neither can you. All you can do is head off as many as you can, and ask God for wisdom. Every church has its wrecking crew; try not to provide equipment for them.

(THREE NEW SONGS)