As a Pastor, the pulpit is one of our greatest places of strength, power, passion and unction.
Most of the times, we exude such unusual and uncommon unction on the pulpit than outside it.
Pastors are practically charged spiritually, physically, emotionally, psychologically and even intellectually when ministering on the pulpit.
However, there is a temptation to inadvertently go beyond some boundaries of decency and decorum when ministering on the pulpit.
Pastors unknowingly say certain things that are not appropriate. Some abuse the sensibilities or hurt the emotions of the hearers and members and may even drive people out of the church.
Some things said from the pulpit stem out of plain ignorance which shouldn't be.
The following phrases or sentences are considered inappropriate from the pulpit:
I don't care what you are going(passing) through.
[ This means you don't have empathy or sympathy for the people. Jesus Christ is touched by the feelings of our infirmity].
That your 'Amen' is sick, lame, paralyzed, etc. [Jesus Christ is the 'Amen' of the Father. Jesus Christ cannot be sick or lame].
If you sleep while I am preaching, you are a witch[This is highly insensitive. People may sleep in Church due to various reasons, it could be due to bodily exhaustion, especially if the person came to Church from a hard day's job. One could equally sleep due to a long boring message, etc].
If you don't like what I'm preaching, that's your business because I like it. [Pastor please remember that God called you for the people and not for yourself].
If you go before we share the grace, you will go in disgrace. [You are called to bless the people and not to curse them. Don't use threats to keep people longer than necessary in Church].
In this Church we preach and stand for the truth unlike other Churches. [Don't be critical, judgmental and sentencious. You can't be the only one preaching and standing for the truth].
Everybody, bring all the money with you now(in your pocket, wallet, purse, bag, car) and drop on the altar or give to God[Let people give willingly and cheerfully and not out of compulsion, manipulation and threats].
This pulpit is mine so I have the right to do whatever I like[God owns the pulpit, a pastor is only but a steward].
If you don't like what I am preaching, leave this Church[Are you driving them back to the world]?
Don't ask me anything about the Church. When I started from the scratch suffering with my wife, where were you[This is highly insensitive].
May the Lord help us all.
