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Christian Leadership Training Course

By J.C. Choate

Lesson 27

Dealing With Problems

Although the preacher is not the Pastor of the church or head of the church, still, being in a leadership position and preaching God’s word, he would have the respect of a lot of people, and many would naturally come to him with their problems. That doesn’t mean that he will be able to answer or solve all of them, since he is human too and has problems of his own. Still, he may be in position to help a lot of people by offering ideas and suggestions from God’s word that would help them to find a solution to their problems.

First, preachers many times have problems with their fellow preachers. There is often a lot of envy and jealousy on the part of one or the other. This may come about as a result of one producing more fruit than the other, over money, foreign contacts, and such like. Sometimes one has been able to go to a foreign country and the other has not. There is competition, an uncooperative spirit, bragging and boasting, and many other such things to contend with. My preacher friend, if you are guilty of any of these things, then you need to repent. If your preacher friend is guilty, then he needs to repent. But how do you go on living with your own brethren when these kind of things are going on? You must forget all of these little petty things and concentrate on your work and do the right thing. If you will put forth the proper effort to always do the right thing, then a lot of these problems will automatically disappear. Of course it is always possible for preachers to disagree about something. Even Paul had to correct Peter on one occasion in relation to his inconsistency in dealing with the Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 2:11,12). Also, we read where Paul and Barnabas disagreed concerning whether John Mark should accompany them on their second missionary journey. It was agreed that Paul and Silas would go together and that Barnabas and John Mark would return to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41). All of them were still brethren, respecting one another, since it was a matter of judgment, and simply went on with their own individual works. So I am telling you to be sure that you do right and go on with your work. Furthermore, look for areas in which you can cooperate and work together. If you will, you will be surprised at the progress you will make in dealing with each other.

Second, the members will bring problems to you about marriage –– that is divorce and remarriage. You will need to study Matthew 19:9, Romans 7, and other passages on this subject and tell them that God intended that there be one husband and one wife, that unfaithfulness on the part of one or the other is the only cause for divorce, and only the innocent party is free to marry again. But you will hear dozens and dozens of problems concerning marriage, and when you think you have heard them all, there will always be another one. Just be sure you know what the Bible teaches on the subject and show them what the Bible says.

What about one being legally able to perform the marriage ceremony? You will need to check on the requirements and qualify yourself to perform marriages. Then you will be asked about a place to bury the dead. Usually if you will check with those who are in charge of the local cemetery, you can work it out to pay an annual fee and arrange space for those of the congregation who die.

Most members of the church find it very difficult to confess their sins and ask the church and God to forgive them so they can be restored (James 5:16). You must show them, from God’s word, that if a Christian errs publicly then he must comply with the teaching of God’s word. What if he refuses? Then steps must be taken to encourage him to correct his life. Only as a last resort should one ever be withdrawn from (Matthew 18:15-17).

How do you deal with bribery? When money is offered to encourage someone to break the law, it is wrong. The Bible says that we are to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7). Many of the tips that are given, are given for some service rendered and it has become traditional to do that.

How do you deal with arranged marriages and the dowry system? Arranged marriages in this part of the world is an accepted thing and has been practiced for hundreds of years. It can be abused, and no doubt it is. As far as the dowry system is concerned, it has been outlawed. Nevertheless many will practice it, and again, abuse it. It is a vicious system, a degrading system, that should not be practiced.

Is it ever right to lie? No, since the Lord and His word states that we must be honest in all things (Romans 12:17; Colossians 3:9).

How do you thank a person for what he has done or given? Many are under the impression that if you thank someone for something that you become obligated to him. Being thankful is a Christian duty (Colossians 3:15; 1 Timothy 2:1; Colossians 3:17). Thanking someone for something is not just a western custom. It should be learned and practiced by all. If you can’t thank someone for something that he has given to you, then you should not take it.

What about owing money? Paul states that we should owe no man anything. That doesn’t mean that we cannot borrow some money from someone, provided we have it understood that it will be paid back, and then we do that. We shouldn’t owe money and refuse to return it. Many get entangled with their friends with money. This is a mistake and should be avoided.

How much should one give to the Lord? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that he should give as he has prospered. Someone has said that the Jews gave one tenth of what they had, but since we live under a better law with better promises that we should give that much, or more. But how can one do that? By putting the Lord first. If all would do that, the church would have more than enough money to do all of its work.

As you can see, all kinds of problems and questions come up. One must go to the Bible to see what God has said, and where the Bible does not necessarily say yes or no on some point, then one should try to use good judgment, thinking of himself and others, and the example that he is setting.