Can I Trust You?

I don't know about you, but I find it amazing at times, the levels of people's confidentiality. All types of information, facts, data and stories being told and shared at various stages of leadership and authority and knowing when and what can be shared with whom seems to be the equivalent of traversing a minefield, the boundaries of which are unknown.

Yes, even this applies to church and church leadership; for many a person has been burned and left the church or even the faith, because inside the four walls of the church was an element of gossip... or at the very least, someone at some position in leadership who couldn't be trusted to not share sensitive matters.

There's a pastor who I appreciate very much, for his level of discernment in this realm. He is very cautious, even when relaying stories in his sermons, to change the names of the characters to protect people's identities. It's something I've put in to practice, even in this blog, as we fast approach 700 consecutive posts by the months' end.

What got me thinking about this? Sometimes even the best of church leadership can step a little to close for comfort. As it was shared recently, by someone other than a pastor, who got "in trouble" with his wife for what she called "sharing her testimony". Oops.

I say all of this to say, sometimes it's common sense that is lacking when people and pastors share something someone would rather they didn't. (I'll be first in line that I struggle with this, at times) Other times, it takes a level of discernment inspired by the Holy Spirit to know when something is permissible for sharing... even for the purpose of teaching life application in spiritual matters.

So, will you join me once again, this #seniorPastorMonday? Pray for a super-natural awareness of confidentiality and discernment; to know the what, when, where, who and how information and stories should be shared. Pray they would set an example to the rest of the staff and church body-at-large, to be trustworthy... not in a way that would be considered shady because of the secrecy, but neither known for gossip and transparency in matters that should not be so known. Pray for God's help, for those pastors and churches where this may be a big problem, that is keeping them from growing their church and impacting their community. For churches that perhaps have a reputation regarding this matter, may God grant wisdom as to what steps, practices and processes can be put in to place to start changing how their church is known and perceived.

For we are all in various stages of being made like Christ. 
May we seek wisdom.
Pursue discernment.
Development compassion
Instill trust and confidence.
That God would use us for His glory
May we not sabotage it through our lack of understanding.

- PNC

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