The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)
If you want to kill your church – or just make it sick – then here is a sure fire way to go about it: When you have to speak publically, do not give any thought to the effect your words will have upon the congregation. Do not make it too simple or they might understand what you are saying. If they understand, it may prevent them from taking their usual nap during the sermon.
Insult them. This will make some of them so angry they won’t hear anything else you say. Others will become so discouraged, they will give up even trying to be good. For others such an approach will simply confirm for them the poor self-image they already have; they think they deserve such treatment.
And especially when you are engaged in private conversations with members, make sure you say the first thing that comes into your head – unless your second thought is even more outrageous!
If you are a person of influence in your church, and if you faithfully follow this procedure you may rest assured before too long there will be serious changes in your church.