#11 – I didn’t deal with problematic people quickly enough
I am yet to see a problematic person turn around and become a productive person in the church. Yet every time I have to deal with a “problem person”, I hesitate because I have this hope that they will turn it around. Here is the reality, after a conversation or two, it’s time to cut that person loose. The Bible says, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11) Yet I let it go after 10 times, and it has hurt the church. Thankfully, I have changed and I challenge these people to find another church if they can’t support the leadership of the church. Here’s the bottom line: If you just “let it go” and “operate in grace”, you will eventually have to deal with it. The only difference is that there will be more shrapnel and other people will be affected as well.