All of these statements below are things I’ve heard a pastor say – some more often than others. Each time, I cringe a bit. Beginning with me, I urge pastors to be cautious about using these phrases.
- “The Bible says somewhere . . .” If you don’t know where the verses are, take time to find them. Too often, people use this phrase only to discover later that the Bible does NOT say it somewhere.
- “The Lord told me . . . .” I know the Lord speaks to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people – but that’s different than our simply claiming an authoritative personal message from the Lord.
- “God’s using me to reveal His remnant.” You probably know why this statement bothers me: the pastors who use it are usually leading churches that are dying on their watch. This phrase is most often a spiritual copout.
- “I’m thinking about leaving.” The Lord may indeed be leading you to move, but sometimes using this phrase is only a passive-aggressive attempt to get people on board.
- “It’ll never happen to me.” “It” is a moral failure, and I’ve never met a fallen pastor who expected it to happen. Assuming it won’t happen is a first step toward disaster.
- “I didn’t have time to prepare, so please pray for me.” A lack of prep time may be legitimate in some few cases, but I suspect you won’t have to tell your church about it. They’ll figure it out.
- “I’ll never send out a resume.” It sounds more spiritual than sending out resumes – if God moves you without your sending out a resume, you’ll have more assurance of God’s leadership. On the other hand, it often takes more faith to proactively and prayerfully investigate potential opportunities.
- “I promise you it won’t go beyond me.” This promise of confidentiality without knowing what you’re going to hear can be risky. You might hear something that demands your getting others involved.
- “I understand what you’re going through.” If indeed you have been through what your church member is facing, you may have reason to use this phrase. If you haven’t walked in those shoes, though, your words ring hollow.
- “This is a true story – I’m not just preaching now.” I know it was a joke, but it wasn’t a helpful one.
What other phrases would you add?
One pet peeve is preachers who write themselves into stories they use for illustrations, especially when the story is well known or can very easily be proven out as urban legend. Another is to use references without citing the sources; e.g. “someone said,” when it’s easily determined who the someone was.
“In conclusion. . .”
Especially when you don’t really mean it yet….
Thanks, Bill, for your thoughts.
“You are all going to hell.” This blanket condemnation of a group of younger, baptized, non-Calvinist Christians was uncalled for and ridiculous. I’m not sure if the preacher did this willingly or was ordered to do it, but he did it.
Thanks, Mark.
That’s my name on the sign…
Hadn’t heard that one, Johnny. Thanks.
Avoid “In all honesty…” or “Honestly…” It implies that you are not always honest.
Good point, Cindy. Thanks.
Avoid the phrase: “I love you, but . . .” Remember it is love that sometimes requires special “urging” and it needs no apology.
Thanks. Blessings!
Using your family in sermon illustrations can be risky.
Indeed, especially if you have not first sought their permission.
I actually heard a preacher tell a congregation that he didn’t memorize Bible verses. He said, “It would have to be pretty special for me to memorize it.”
Wow. Thanks.
Touch not the Lord’s anointed. I’ve heard pastors use this rather than addressing concerns with ministry choices. I even heard an entire sermon using Psalm 105:15 and verses dealing with David’s treatment of Saul topped off with the threat that God could deal with one who criticizes the pastor’s leadership as he did with teens who criticized Elisha. Much better to actually explain the vision and lead the church than try to stifle any questions.
Thanks, John.
I’m new to the blog, but I’ve heard a preacher years ago say that “This sermon, like most, are not for churched people…” or something to that effect. If I’m not mistaken, the entirety of the New Testament was written to the “churched”
Welcome to the blog, Nick. Thanks for your thoughts.
I agree with most but to say as thought in process “The Bible says somewhere . . .” If you don’t know where the verses are, take time to find them. Too often, people use this phrase only to discover later that the Bible does NOT say it somewhere. Can preacher not use a verse that the Holy Spirit is showing but you may forget the address? I would have problem with The Bible says somewhere if that is your text verse:)
Sure. I understand that we do indeed sometimes simply forget a text. Too often, though, people use that phrase only because they think the Bible says it somewhere. Thanks, Kevin.
“Not in MY church.” Heard a pastor say that years ago. Concerning when they speak as though they own the church.
Thanks, Chris.
“I’m no theologian,” or “I’m not a Bible scholar.” I understand the sentiment, but the pastor is in fact the resident theologian and biblical scholar of the church. If your theology isn’t well developed, perhaps you aren’t yet prepared for pulpit ministry.