I’m thinking today about tough conversations as a pastor – many I’ve had, and some I probably need to have. Without my giving too many details, here are some of the most difficult conversations I’ve had as a pastor. I’m listing them in no particular order.
- Telling a church member we were recommending removing him from membership. He was unrepentant, and we needed to take a stand.
- Asking a staff member to step down. He wasn’t ready to leave, but it just wasn’t working.
- Informing a church member I would not officiate at her wedding. I was certain the marriage wouldn’t work, and I couldn’t put my stamp of approval on it. I was right….
- Trying to answer a young couple who asked, “Why did God give us a baby and then take him away so quickly?” I couldn’t answer the question, and my attempts to comfort weren’t working.
- Listening as an irate church leader screamed at me for a decision I’d made. Actually, the conversation was only one-sided, because I was shocked by this brother’s emotional outburst.
- Informing a family that their loved one had died. The death was unexpected and tragic, and I had no idea what to expect when I informed her family.
- Answering the question, “Do you think he’s in heaven?” when “he” gave no evidence of a Christian conversion. Nothing would allow me to say, “yes.” Nor did I know, though, if he had turned to Christ as he approached death. The best I could say with integrity was, “I don’t know.”
- Confronting a young man about stealing from the church. I was sure I was right, but I don’t like confrontation in general.
- Telling a congregation that I was leaving. The Lord was calling me to go elsewhere, but that truth didn’t erase the grief of leaving.
Pastors, what are some tough conversations you’ve had?
I was once asked: “Did you __________?” But the question involved slanderous hearsay and was phrased more as a statement of fact, as if I had actually done it, and therefore was daring me to deny it.
Telling the mother of a member that her husband had past away. She was elderly, deaf and in a facility. Try to be compassionate while yelling in the ear of someone.
That emotional outburst in #5 had a familiar rign to it. It was several weeks later that I got an apology; for the outburst and for the jump to conclusion that had provoked it.
Telling a 92 year old pianist who had served faithfully for years when there was no other option that we needed to look for someone else