we all leave impressions
There is no way that we can live in this world without leaving impressions with people with whom we interact. After you have been in the ministry for awhile, you begin to be aware of the impact that you have on others because of the impressions that they have from you.
Frequently I have heard someone explain their reasons for leaving a church or being drawn to a church because of the impressions they had of the pastor. Often when they describe what word or action affected them, I can imagine how the that pastor was probably entirely unaware that they were having that effect on someone.
The scary part of ministry is that our impact on others is often entirely beyond our control. It is scary to think how we may have impacted someone and not even realized it.
WHAT I DON’T WANT OTHERS TO THINK
It got me to thinking of the impressions that I don’t want others to have of me. I can’t control all that people will think, but I can be aware of what I don’t want them to think.
This is my beginning list of what I hope others won’t think.
- That it is all about me. That my image is what is really important to me.
- That being right is more important than the people with whom I work.
- That correct doctrine and correct practices are more important to me than exhibiting compassion to others.
- That avoiding conflict is more important than proclaiming the faith when it challenges our people.
- That I can’t be trusted.
- That my focus in my sermons is to be pleasing and popular.
- That being true to my faith is not as important as being a success.
While it is not always easy to avoid making such impressions, naming the ones I want to avoid helps me when I have to make other decisions in my ministry. I could have phrased them as positive impressions but the negative impressions are closer to what I struggle with in my life.
IT’S YOUR TURN NOW
What about you. What type of impressions would you like to avoid making on others? Make your list and then reflect on how that affects your ministry.
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