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CONDITIONED REFLEX

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CONDITIONED TO RESPOND ON CUE?


By Ken Blue

If you are observant, you will notice that when you hear one person in church cough, others will cough also. Likewise, if one person gets up to go to the bathroom, others feel the same urge. You will notice that, many times, when you scratch your nose or face, the person to whom you are speaking will follow your lead. Television programs have long used cue card to call for laughter or applause.

My question is, have Christians unknowingly been conditioned to respond to certain cues? The Merriam Webster Dictionary says the word cue is, “a signal (as a word, phrase, or bit of stage business) to a performer to begin a specific speech or action.”

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Just how much response is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and how much is prompted by conditioning.[/perfectpullquote]

After watching preachers and congregations for 55 five years, I have witnessed this same conditioning process. Some pastors are bold and call for, or even shame their listeners if they do not give an “amen” to some point they have made. There are certain words said from the pulpit that will elicit the same response from the same people every time. I don’t have to tell you what those words are.

All this, leads one to wonder just how much response is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and how much is the result of a conditioning to respond on cue? It seems strange to me that the Spirit is leading only a certain few, in a certain section of the church to yell “amen.” Are these indeed more spiritual and responsive to God’s Spirit than others, or have they been conditioned to respond on cue?

I am not opposed to people saying amen. I was just wondering if we are really responding to the Holy Spirit, or if we are taking our cue from those who cough or take a potty break. If you can’t comfortably preach without an “amen;” you are attempting to control others. If you catch yourself saying amen because those around you are doing it, you are conditioned to respond on cue. The pastor, who must have verbal responses, should have someone hold up a cue card then the whole congregation could respond on cue.

THE WRECKING CREW

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Critics in the Church.

By Ken Blue.

critics in the church

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)

 

 

A VIEW TO GROWTH: ENLARGEMENT

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Crafting ministries with a view to growth

view to growth

 

By Ken Blue

“Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;” Isaiah 54:2.

God will keep his promises to Israel. In anticipation of the returning remnant, Israel is called upon to enlarge their facilities in order to accommodate them. Their faith will determine how they respond to that command.

The question is; are your plans, facilities, and ministries crafted with a view to growth? Do you really expect God to bless your church with a numerical increase? You need not answer; your plans reveal your faith.

Is your baptistery ready to baptize new converts, or is it like many that are decaying in dry rot? Are your nurseries staffed, clean, and ready for the infants of young families? Do you have trained teachers and workers for children when they arrive? Are your greeters prepared for guest each Sunday? If not, why not? Is it because of a lack of faith?

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Your preparation shows your faith or the lack thereof.[/pullquote]

Don’t wait for families to show up before you prepare. Get ready for them now! “And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The average church is surprised if they have visitors on Sunday. You should be surprised and disappointed when you don’t have visitors. Is your church pregnant with expectation, that visitors will come? Once again, your preparation shows your faith or the lack thereof.

The experts tell us that the average church building can only maintain about 80% of its seating capacity. So, if your building is 80% full, you must take action to grow. “…lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;” Isaiah 54:2

Sad to say, some pastors do not want their church to grow. It is just large enough to pay them a salary, and just small enough to be a comfortable little family. If a church is doing what the Lord commanded, it ought to see new visitors and new converts each week. Pastor, the truth is we plan our church ministries according to our faith and vision. I challenge you; enlarge your existing ministries and expect growth from the Lord. Get a view to growth!

WHY SOME CHURCHES CANNOT GROW

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WHY SOME CHURCHES CANNOT GROW
WHY SOME CHURCHES CANNOT GROW

By Ken Blue

Dr. Tom Malone said, “An expert is any old spurt away from home.” I am not an “expert” on any topic. However, over the years, I have observed a few things that hinder the numerical and spiritual growth of a church. I list some of them, but not in any order of importance.

Location and facilities:

Where a church is located is important. I have seen whole communities change culturally and racially in a few short years. When that happens, it will have a dramatic impact on the church. The church must make a change in its culture or sell the building to those who are part of the emerging culture.

Another factor that hurts church growth is the condition, the age and the configuration of the buildings. Some people will tolerate an old building, but they will not accept a dirty and unkempt one. Paint and water are inexpensive; so, spruce up the place. If you are in the wrong location, find one more open to the gospel. The location of your church may be your greatest liability.

Outreach and marketing:

There are two colossal errors concerning outreach. One is the misconception that door to door soul winning is the only key to outreach. Secondly, that the word “marketing” is unscriptural. Statistics prove that 80% of the people, who visit a church, do so because a friend or family member invite them. Less than 1% come as a result of door to door soul winning. However, if that’s your only method, the percentage would be 100% in your case. Churches could learn from the world and the cults what effective methods they are using to reach the masses and apply them where appropriate. The world is wiser in this matter than most churches.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Statistics prove that 80% of the people, who visit a church, do so because a friend or family member invite them. Less than 1% come as a result of door to door soul winning.[/perfectpullquote]

The pastor might as well save church money and stop advertising in the newspaper and phone book. Young couples use the internet and watch television. Have the best web page possible for your church and have it designed to reach the un- churched. Place radio and television ads when finances allow. Do brainstorming and discover every method available; then use the ones you approve. Pastor Al Hughes, recently started a “Sign Ministry.” The positive results are worth looking into. Put the name and location of  your church on the sign. A Bible verse only will not attract anyone. Most growing churches have found that promoting three or four big days through the year will attract the community, if planned and promoted properly.

Atmosphere and attitude:

It never enters the mind of some pastors how important the atmosphere of a church is. Every business owner understands its importance or he goes out of business. Pay attention to the next store or restaurant you visit. Notice how they try to appeal to those who enter their doors. If you are unimpressed, you will not return.

The selection and style of music is critical here. Some of the best preachers I know kill their church with dead, somber music. Someone has correctly said, “You cannot have an Episcopalian song service, a Lutheran sermon and a Pentecostal invitation.” The atmosphere and attitude should be positive, exciting, uplifting and enjoyable. The lighting, the decor and colors are all important. Many churches have a funeral home atmosphere and then wonder why everyone looks dead.

Preaching and personality:

When it comes to reaching people, it may surprise you to learn that your personality may be more important than your preaching ability. That may explain why many of the best preachers have the smaller churches. It could be a personality quirk, a distracting habit or poor manners that hinder ones influence. Most people will talk about these, but not to the pastor.

Some preachers have the idea that if they are not screaming and yelling throughout the sermon, they are not preaching. This is a learned concept and must be corrected, unless you are in a culture where people enjoy being screamed and yelled at; if you are, then keep screaming. Remember you have different people at different services; a different purpose for each sermon and different methods at your disposal. You must understand that people are not as impressed with your preaching as you are. If you doubt this, ask them what your sermon topic was a week ago.

Laziness and playfulness:

The call to preach is not a call to slothfulness or amusement. Some preachers are lazy and ought to be fired; they would be if they behaved the same way on a secular job. The preacher must pray and study. He is to be a student of the Word of God. His calling is to studying and teaching. He must plan for church growth and ministries. Then, he must lead others to do the work of the ministry for Christ. Success rises and falls on leadership. If a church is not getting the job done, in most cases, it is a weakness on the part of the pastor. If you are weak in leadership and management, learn all you can on this subject and then do your best. If you are lazy, repent or resign.

Another flaw the pastor must guard against is the temptation to spend too much time playing. There are many good and acceptable hobbies and recreational outlets, but the pastor should avoid being identified with any as an addiction. Your first and foremost calling is to the ministry. Everything else must be subordinate to that calling. Rest, if you must, but don’t be lazy. Play if you can, but don’t get the reputation of an addiction to anything but the ministry.

THE NOVICE

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THE NOVICE
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6.

The NoviceEvery man possesses some pride, but pride must not possess the man. That is the danger and likely outcome for the novice who is rushed into the ministry without proper preparation. His primary problem is not his age, although that is a factor; his greatest liability is his inability to comprehend God’s grace in relation to his own sinful nature and his lack of the experiences needed for humility and maturity. Paul’s concern is not only for the young minister, but also for the testimony of Christ.

The instruction and the reason are clear. The novice must not be put in charge of that which requires experience and maturity. Both David and Moses were chosen as young men, but neither was appointed until thoroughly trained and tried. No man is qualified to oversee the souls of others until his own soul has been subdued and humbled.

For the novice, the office itself is exhilarating; He stands before others and instructs them. He is applauded and admired by those who respect and esteem his office. The more successful he becomes, the more precarious is his standing and the more haughty his spirit. This is evidenced in posture, poise and pronouncement. No matter what topic is announced, in short time, the novice becomes the topic. Most of his preaching and teaching will be in the first person.

It is not the Devil who condemns the novice; his is the same sin that caused the fall of the Devil, and it will bring the neophyte down too. Pride goes before a fall. The novice is so inexperienced and self-confident he doesn’t know his own heart, thus, the thought that he could fall never enters his mind. If it does, he dismisses it immediately.

The lives of young men and the reputation of the ministry are far too important to be taken lightly. The warning is clear and the outcome is certain; so don’t ignore Paul’s counsel.