Offense

2 Corinthians 6:3
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed

Pastors and preachers are the chief offenders in the church!
I was preaching one Sunday about speaking the truth. I started with this joke.
 
Question: Why do scientists hate atoms?
Answer: Because they make up everything.
 
This humor spurred my preaching to what I thought was the most effective and engaging sermon. However, after the service, one of the members approached me to speak in private.
 
Woman: I’m so offended by how you used me as an illustration in your preaching.
 
Now, those who know me well are aware that I make a joke of mostly everything, even in the face of anger and threat. My unassuming husband believes it’s because I can’t make eye contact, but I think I’m just insensitive and too eager to make people laugh.

I jokingly replied, “Why, are you an atom?”

The woman was livid. She rebuked me and walked out, threatening she’d never attend the church again.

It’s ridiculous how I often find my foot in my mouth. Intending to make someone laugh, I unintentionally banished someone from church, perhaps even away from God. I’ve repented and reached out to the woman, but my epic failure also got me thinking about the offenses that occur in the church. Let me explain the preacher’s perspective.
​
Unless a preacher abuses authority by rebuking specific individuals in a sermon, the pulpit could sometimes be a stage for divine comedy. It’s not that the preacher is a stand-up comedian, it’s just the fact that a good preaching guarantees spiritual feathers to be ruffled. And, instead of being convicted, some Christians get offended. Remember that discomfort from conviction is what God wants His people to feel because it leads to repentance, but some Christians feel attacked instead. 

Pastors might offend church goers even at the beginning of a service. How?

If a pastor fails to greet a member, he’s a snob.

If a pastor welcomes a church member, the latter feels interrupted.

If a pastor shakes one’s hand, the person says it hurt his arthritis.

If the pastor hands out a ministry sign-up card, members feel he’s interested in tithes.

You get the gist? The pastor can’t win if members wear their feelings on their sleeves. Like a pilot preparing for take-off, the poor pastor can’t account for every Tom, Dick and Larry who attends the service.

As a chatty blind preacher, I personally long to have physical contact with people because I can’t make eye contact. Some folks are the same, but others get weirded out by a touchy-feely first meeting experience, especially most people can’t tell I’m blind at first glance.

The following is another offender for some people. If a pastor requests help from volunteers, members may think he’s lazy. Some Christians believe pastors are called to do all church-related work even if they’re not paid. Surprisingly, this includes setting up and tidying up church areas, doing visitations and even evangelism. Yes, some church goers don’t evangelize because they believe it’s the pastor’s job, not theirs. On the contrary, Shepherds don’t produce sheep, he feeds them and raises up shepherds. Meanwhile, sheep produce sheep, so church members also need to spread the Gospel.

If you’ve stopped going to church because you’ve been offended by a pastor or preacher, I encourage you to have a private conversation with your offender. If you’re too embarrassed to do so, please pray about the “F” word – “Forgive” and return to the flock. This is the worst time to be isolated from the fellowship. We need to be a part of the community of believers and strengthen our weakest link. After all, it’s one of the secrets on how to live longer.
 
Reflection Questions
Share an experience wherein you were offended by a pastor or preacher?
If you’re a pastor or preacher, share how you’ve unintentionally offended a church member.