What direction do you take when the preacher mentions your expertise?

I’ve written quite a bit about those in ministry being experts.

In short, those in ministry shouldn’t be expected to be experts and should openly declare as such.

They aren’t engineers.

They aren’t doctors.

They aren’t historians.

But, they can glean truths from many different fields.

And, in their congregation, there will be experts in many topics.

So, what do you do when the preacher hits on your topic of expertise?

Do you lean in or do you sit back?

Does your focus increase or your skepticism increase?

This latter option is the danger when someone wades into your area of expertise.

You know more, so you’re more weary.

So, do you raise your antenna or lower your attention when the sermon hits a topic you’re knowledgeable about.

At worst, even if the preacher fumbles their way through your area of expertise, there’s an important reason to ensure that you’ve paid attention.

They were trying to connect in a way that you’re very familiar with.

And, at a minimum, you should be able to follow the way they ware attempting to reveal a spiritual truth.

Even if they took some missteps, your in a privileged position to understand what they were trying to do.