Words of Wisdom from Chuck Swindoll
If I had to name one senior person in ministry who has most impacted me from a distance as a believer, it would probably be Chuck Swindoll. I grew in my faith listening to his radio program and reading his books. He was contemporary and applicable in his preaching and not afraid to be innovative in reaching people.
I recently read an article in Leadership Journal interviewing Swindoll on his newest book, The Church Awakening. I haven’t read the book, but the article says some things that caught my attention and I intend to read it.
He says things like:
- “When a church is spending more of its budget on media than shepherding, something is out of whack.”
- “We must make sure that new things actually help people grow in the truth, that they edify the saints and build them up.”
- “We try to keep it simple so that the pizzazz doesn’t become the reason to bring a neighbor.”
- “I let people see the cracks in my life. We can’t be phony. We’ve got to keep it real.”
Read the article HERE, then come back to this post and reflect on what Swindoll is saying to younger pastors and church leaders.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know at first glance that I agree with everything he said, and I’ll read the book for more clarity, but I did read the article and Swindoll makes some bold statements. I believe in listening to the wisdom of elders too. Could there be a word here for the church?
What are your thoughts about where the church is now or is going in worship planning?
Are we putting too much emphasis or spending too much money on technology?
How do we balance the tension of reaching people uninterested in the church, yet making sure we always honor Christ in worship?
Is this a word from the wise or a dear wise pastor who is also struggling with the changing times?
Let me hear your thoughts.
