What NOT to say

[Greg Farra]

A good article on how not to minister to others.

http://www.crosswalk.com/church/past...e-hurting.html

Sorry, the link is down. I will try it later.

[Susan Unger]

I have heard them all except number 7.

#12 and 15 were the most painful to me. #16 I've probably shown through actions though would never say in words cuz that is not my mentality. It is more like being in hospitals reminds me of visiting my grandfather in a hospital. 20 is difficult to know - some want a visit, some don't. I like her positives at the end - very good ideas.

[Greg Farra]

Okay, it's working now.

[Roy Richardson]

A good article on how not to minister to others.

http://www.crosswalk.com/church/past...e-hurting.html

Sorry, the link is down. I will try it later.

I boosted it from you and put it on the church Facebook page for people. I just got back from visiting with a congregant who tends to say things like this and said something completely inappropriate to a pregnant lady who is in danger of miscarrying. I'm just astounded with what people say sometimes.

[Greg Farra]

It is a shame these things happen.

[Glenn Messer]

I don't think I'm guilty of any of those. I have been guilty of saying to people, "I don't know why; I don't have an answer. I wish I did, but I don't. I'm so sorry."

A few weeks ago I devoted Wednesday night to "What to do (say) and how to do it when someone you know is going through a difficult sickness or loss." It was amazing the number of positive responses I received to that evening. Two weeks ago I focused on "How to handle stress." Two people called me to tell me that they needed that service more than I knew. Sometimes our people need to know that our interests run deeper than 'theology' and that we are sensitive to the issues they struggle with every day. (OK. I know that good theology is essential to these issues, but they don't need to know that I've wrestled with the theology to arrive at the message.)