It’s an old tactic I’ve seen used before… but a good one…

We had somebody show up one time who was known to be a local “bad element”, and on of our congregation took a lot of time with him, just listening and being Christ to him.

He died a short while later, and I was glad that this friend of mine spent some time with him. Who knows what might have happened because of that. We didn’t kick him out, we loved on him.

And what happened to my friend who talked to that guy? We just hired him late last year as our site pastor for our first multi-site location.

We’ve expressed great compassion to a particular homeless man in our community. He was given food and a kind word whenever he showed. He was even welcomed in worship one Sunday. He has, however, expressed himself in inappropriate, vulgar, and threatening ways, especially toward women, so our new policy is to contact the police as soon as he shows up on the church property. Compassion- yes; doormats- no.

WOW - how else can we manipulate people on Sunday mornings?

Invite an LGBT couple in to shame us in our lack of love? Or maybe ask the church treasurer to read everybody’s giving statements (or lack thereof) publicly.

I’m not disputing that the church needs to shore up in our commitment to Christ and His principles, but I think manipulation diminishes the POWER of God’s Word at work in our lives.

Thank you to everyone that has given/offered feedback.  Todd told me he was going to put this on here, but I never expected it to cause controversy. If what I did offended you, I sincerely apologize.  My heart was to bring a living illustration of 1 John 4:7 & 8.  Specifically where the Word says, “he thats loves not doesn’t know God, for God is love”.  I was attempting to illustrate that love is THE distinguishing factor in a Christ-follower’s life. The “Kingdom Compassion” message was part of our “Kingdom People” series, and we choose Valentine’s weekend as a time to talk about love.

I will offer the following as something to think about.  I think we will all agree that God wants to bring transformation in every person’s life.  An email I received suggests that he used this “foolishness” to do just that.  Please read the email below.  The only changes I have made are to protect the identity of the person:

“Pastor Jackson,

(I am a local businessman and) I write this, not for business, but as a Christian.  I have become cynical in my world view as of late. I have recently gone through a time of questioning God, pride, self pity and some anger. I saw the story on KLTV Sunday night about your actions on Sunday and got on my knees and asked God to forgive me. Period. 

I happen to know several of your members and how they speak of your church and now I see why. Your vision and test of “what will the people do?” was moving, sad, and exciting all at the same time.
. 

We have lost……..no, I have lost…… my basic fundamental love and trust for fellow man, and your “test” on Sunday to see what your people would do was moving, insightful and God driven.

I decided to blind copy this to some of your members, as sometimes we just don’t let people know how their church and church leaders affect the community. 

Thanks” (Name Withheld)

Tommy,

Sounds like your church is known for it’s great love for one another.

Speaking as someone in a church that is known for that in our community, it feels great, doesn’t it! No, we’re not perfect, I’m sure you’re not, but this is what Jesus said people would know us for. (not our doctrinal statements...)

I remember hearing about a pastor doing this over 25 years ago when I was in seminary. Not a new idea but definitely an interesting way to make a point.