How Can a Pastor Reverse Negative Sentiments in a Church?

Podcast Episode #228Discussion about few causes of negativity in the church and how pastors can help deal with negativity and even stop it from happening on the front end.Some highlights from today's episode include: * Every church will go through a challenge or lull. The question is "how long will you stay in it?" * Any time there is negativity, there is the possibility of it snowballing. * To fix an issue without a needed apology is not fixing an issue at all. * Be careful about having a perpetual naysayer in an outwardly-focused ministry. * Those who are rowing the boat are less likely to be the ones rocking the boat. * Transparency and truthfulness from church leadership are absolutely necessary for a healthy church culture. * Some of the most significant failures take place because people are unwilling to face the facts. * Even in the greatest negativity of the Old Testament, it's still pointing to the greatest hope to come: the incarnate Christ.The seven ways to address negativity in the church are: * Apologize. * Turn more outwardly focused. * Get the naysayers involved. * Be transparent and truthful. * Bring together a coalitions. * Willingness to face the brutal facts. * Preach, teach, and speak about biblical hope.Episode SponsorsVanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.Find out more about Vanderbloemen Search Group by visiting WeStaffTheChurch.com.Midwestern Seminary, located in the heart of the Midwest, is one of the fastest growing seminaries in North America and offers a fantastic array of academic programs, including multiple online and residential options at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Midwestern’s new 81-hour Mdiv program, online program, and doctoral program have all been recognized as some of the most innovative and affordable in the country. There has never been a better time to begin your seminary education. Midwestern Seminary trains leaders 'For The Church.’Visit them online at MBTS.edu/Rainer and start your ministry training today.FeedbackIf you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.Resources * Team of Rivals * Built to Last * Good to Great * Crash Course * For the Church at the SBC in St. Louis