The last 30 years of church history could be called the “inspiration” decades. It’s been a period where pastors were more likely to be inspirational speakers than prophetic voices.
And I get it. Most people are beat up from life, they feel unworthy and need to be encouraged. But the truth is, the Bible isn’t exactly the most inspirational book ever written. The Bible is focused more on reality, and in the New Testament, Jesus tells it like it is.
When I mentioned this fact recently, a friend said, “But what about how Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery? The religious leaders were going to stone her, and Jesus had compassion.” Bravo. Yes, He probably saved her life, but then He didn’t empathize about her problems, encourage her to try harder or become the best she could be. Instead, He said quite directly, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, but He also didn’t cut her any slack. She had made mistakes, and it was time to get serious. I think we worry so much about being “relevant,” not hurting feelings or turning off our contemporary audiences that we’re not giving them the one thing they need the most—reality. Today we live in the most distracted and disrupted culture in history, and when someone visits your church, they don’t have a lot of time to waste.
Let’s not go overboard and be a jerk. Let’s be inviting, responsive and sensitive. But perhaps more important, let’s cut to the chase.
The age of pastor as motivational speaker should be over.
What do you think about the issue?
Phil Cooke is a filmmaker, media critic and adviser to some of the largest churches, ministries and nonprofit organizations in the world. He's the founder of the Influence Lab.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
