QUESTION
I heard a woman complain once that all her pastor preached was “get saved.” Almost all my congregation is long-time believers. How can I give them deep and challenging sermons, while still covering the basics of salvation on a regular basis?
ANSWER
Every sermon could and should conclude with a clear presentation of the gospel. Those who are already believers need to be reminded that there is a lost and dying world just outside the walls of the church, and a salvation message can challenge and encourage them to reach their friends and family members before it’s too late.
Pastors are instructed to preach the whole counsel of God’s Word, but in doing so (because only the Lord really knows the condition of the listener’s heart), they should include the urgency for one to trust Jesus as savior. Members should be grateful for a pastor who encourages others to “get saved.”
QUESTION
The pastor is diabetic, yet people still give him cakes and pies when we have church dinners. One dear soul always sets aside a bowl of banana pudding for him. He eats some of it to be polite. Should I say something to the sugar-pushers?
ANSWER
It’s the pastor’s responsibility to speak up. There’s nothing wrong with him letting people know that his doctor has restricted his sugar intake and because of his health concerns, he’ll be passing on the sweets. I have no doubt that once the word is out, the ladies will continue to provide cakes, pies, and even banana pudding for everyone else to enjoy, but their motherly instincts might kick in, and they’ll ask the pastor (kindly), “Are you supposed to be eating that?” Especially if they see him sneaking a quick bite.
Kindly encourage him to share his diabetes problem with the kitchen workers and see how quickly the word spreads.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism. Send questions for Pat to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.