How to Say No to Your Pastor
There will come a time when you want to say "no" to your pastor. Maybe they give you an idea that you just don't think is going to work. Maybe it's a song suggestion or something to incorporate when you're leading worship.
Here are three steps to take when saying "no" to your pastor:
1 | See your pastor's side
Think through the actual reason your pastor made the suggestion. Ask them more questions before you say "no" and seek to truly understand what they want to happen. Often times, this leads to you both finding a better solution to implement to achieve the desired result. Get to the root of the proposal.
Also, view it from your pastor's perspective. It's easy to just see things through our own "worship leader lens." In the end you might find out that what your pastor wants is for the greater good of the church even if it seems like it hinders your particular area.
2 | Explain your reasoning
After you've understood your pastor's side, explain your reasoning. A simple "no" is often not good enough in any situation. In order to explain your reasoning, you have to know what your reasoning is. So formulate your thoughts. If it's a song suggestion you don't like, explain why you feel the song doesn't work - is it hard to sing? Is there not enough time for your team to learn it? Is there a theological problem? Or is there simply a better song to choose?
In the same way you need to see your pastor's perspective, help them see yours by adequately explaining your concerns.
3 | Submit
In the end, one of two things happen: you've convinced your pastor not to implement the suggestion or your pastor still wants you to do it. If you're pastor still wants you to do it, you need to submit to their leadership. God has placed them in charge of your church and ultimately they are responsible for the decisions that are made. Even if you think it's not the best option, support your pastor by doing what they think is best for the church.
Have you ever said no to your pastor? Let us know in the comments!
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