A few weeks ago our lead pastor, Tom Mercer, did a great lesson for our staff on one HUGE principle that will make or break our team: Conversations. What we talk about and how we talk about what we talk about can build our team up, or tear it down. Here are the highlights from his talk:
“Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.” – Proverbs 14:2 (NIV)
We always think we are right.
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” – James 3:2 (NIV)
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
We need to keep in check the way we speak to each other.
Conversations make or break a church staff.
Never underestimate the power of a negative conversation.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” – Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)
Rotten attitudes spoil great teams.
Accuracy isn’t enough.
You can promote yourself or you can promote the mission, but you can’t do both.
Ask yourself:
- Is it thoughtful?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it needed?
- Is it right?
We need to talk to people more than we need to talk about them.
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)
Perverse means inexplicably irrational.
The devil can not take a foothold unless we give it to him.
Jeff McClung 