I’ve often thought that pastors, in their formal training, should be required to get at least a minor in business. Unlike Jesus’ first Apostles who were businessmen before becoming Apostles, many pastors never make the connection between the pulpit and the “real world.”
For example, recently in a church I was worshipping at, the pastor made a startling statement. He said, “If you have been here longer than three months, this church is not for you, it is for the people out there.”
I sympathized with what he said, I’ve also had the challenge of trying to keep the people I served from becoming self-absorbed and forgetting our reason for being here—fulfilling the Great Commission.
But let’s be truthful, while we may say things like that, we don’t practice it—not if we’re smart.
Afterall, it was Jesus who said, “By this shall all people know you are my disciples…by the way you love one another” (John 13:34-35). He even ranked this principle of such importance that he added it to the list of commandments.
Church leader, if you have come to see that you have been called to be about your Lord’s business (Matthew 25:14-30), then understand who your “customer” is and who your “potential customer” is.
Your potential customer are those people “out there”; your real customers are the ones actually coming to your church.
Your “real” customers are the ones that count. Invest the bulk of your time, resources, and energy in them. Be sure to take care of them. Celebrate them. If at all possible, do not lose them, for they are the ones who pay the bills, volunteer in the trenches, and justify you being there (Proverbs 14:28).
And here’s the wisdom in doing this (Okay sport’s fans, here’s the punch line!) the best way to get new “customers” is to keep the ones you already have happy.
The ONE THING for today: Pastors, “know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for them.” (Proverbs 27:23)
The ONE THING 