Working Through the Distractions

As a pastor, it is my primary role to speak into the lives of our members. This is typically done in a preaching/teaching format. Services that are generally centered around some kind of message (at least that's the way it has been done for thousands of years). This can be problematic. Especially considering that there are a lot of pastors/preachers who would say that Jesus needs to be the center of attention. The problem is that most churches struggle with this kind of mentality. The thought of doing something that does not center around a message seems ludicrous. Another issue we face is learning how to work through the distractions.

There's plenty of things out there that will tell you the best way to communicate. Plenty of ideas on how to hold a congregations attention. I remember once hearing that "the mind will only comprehend what the butt can endure." The idea being that sermons shouldn't be too long because people lose their focus. I've also heard that people only retain a SMALL PERCENTAGE of what is actually said on a Sunday morning. This is especially true if they don't take notes, don't read along with you, etc. How do we work through all of this? How do we help people stay on task? How does a pastor/preacher navigate these difficult waters?

Some churches have taken this to the extreme. They have created incredible stage sets to enhance the mood. Some pastors have driven motorcycles on the set, made the stage to look like a living room, or they have ensured that there is plenty of video images to keep the mind engaged. To be honest with you, I don't think these things are helpful. In fact, I think they have helped to ensure that this problem never goes away.

You don't get rid of distractions by creating other distractions. I also don't believe that the best solution is to limit the speaker's time. For the most part, we only get these people 52 days out of the year. Imagine if we limited a pastor to only 18-20 minutes. Would it change the way people receive the message? Possibly. However, I think it buys into the idea that the message is central to what we are doing.

Jesus being the center of attention means that Jesus is the center of attention. It means that everything we do should center around Him. Our worship, our sharing, our giving, our serving, etc. What does that look like for a group of people that may not operate this way within their own personal lives? How do we help others work through the distractions of work, family, text messages, social media, etc. so that they can begin to center their lives upon Him? Another question we need to ask is how to we convey what is in our heart to people whose minds are full of competing ideas? Because the reality is that each and every one of them bring something into this whole equation.

I wish I had the answer. I wish that there was an easy fix to this whole question. The reality is that all we can do is to ensure that Jesus is the main thing in all we do. All we can do is create an environment where people get to experience the presence and the person of the Lord. To cultivate a community that is sensitive to His voice and His activity. To help others be fully aware of who God (their Father) is, and who they are in Him.

Helping people work through distractions????
I don't know that I've provided answers or asked more questions.
All I know is that, for me, there is only one solution.
Jesus.
He's the answer.