As I was preparing for the message this weekend, I was envisioning a whole new set of 'toes' that I would potentially be stepping on with this message. The ELEPHANT SERIES is designed to address ISSUES that are often hidden for a reason...they are uncomfortable topics!
To be honest, I had the feeling today...'what have I done? Why did I decide to speak on these confrontational topics?...maybe the Holy Spirit could lead me to something else?' :}
One of the roles of a pastor/shepherd to protect from danger. A shepherd carries the rod and staff for a reason. There are predators out there that want to consume and destroy the sheep. Another role that a pastor/shepherd has is to provoke toward action. A shepherd has to motivate sheep from a barren field and into eventual greener pastures.
So how does one do this well?
2. Be Grace-Oriented - tough talks must be coated with grace. The spirit of confrontation has to be about the desire for protection and redemption. People need hope. Especially when they are confronted with an area of failure or error. We confront so that the Holy Spirit can convict, forgive, heal, and restore.
3. Be Direct - if something has to be said, then say it. If we try to 'beat around the bush' and soften the blow...people might miss the hard part of the message, which may be the most important part. Bill Hybels talks about 'telling the last 10%'. When confronting we often want to stop at telling 90% of the problem (the easier issues) and we avoid saying the final 10% (the most important and yet most uncomfortable part).
4. Be Clear - anytime I address something sensitive or controversial, I want to think it through to the point of extreme clarity. This involves trying to be specific, memorable, and limited (meaning that there is not so much information so as to overwhelm).
5. Be Aware - As I deliver a difficult message, I am trying to remain sensitive to several things. I often ask several people for feedback: Did I mis-peak? Was I confusing? Was anything I said insensitive to a particular group of people? Could I improve this talk somehow? Is there a way that I could be clearer or bolder or more grace-oriented?
Maybe an over-riding quality that ties all these things together is HUMILITY. We have to be aware of that fact that we (as the speaker/pastor) are not perfect. We need to remain teachable and stay open to constructive criticism. It is so much easier to listen to a humble spirit. It is very difficult to endure a 'know it all'.
