8 Things I Wish Pastors Wouldn't Say

There are a lot of cliche phrases that have become mainstream in American Christian culture. They all have good intentions. Some are great. But there are some things I wish pastors would stop saying.
These are 8 phrases that have become so ingrained in our Christian culture that we say them without thinking. But I think we can do better.
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[@annschell61]

One phrase that bugs me is "make Jesus the Lord of your life." We don't make Jesus the Lord of anything. He's already Lord of everything. We can only submit to His lordship.

[@ProPreacher]

Great point! I’m guilty of saying that one before. Jesus is Lord, whether we acknowledge it or not.

[@EP-tz7kv]

“Most churches aren’t even reaching their own neighborhood...” *mic drop*

[@andyheller2691]

"God has a wonderful plan for your life" is a phrase I have always struggled with that and could never say and for several reasons.

[@donnasdialogueLV]

No. 6 is spot on!! even when women are invited as a speaker or is introduced as the worship leader for example, in our local churches, we tend to focus on the outward appearance rather than what truly matters. Proverbs 31:3 NASB Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

[@WillowHopeBartlett]

‘Winning #’s of souls saved’. ‘I’ ‘led’ this person to the Lord’.

[@SmileTimeEveryone]

Can't like this video more!! You are so spot on! So refreshing to hear a pastor drop the show and speak reality.

[@chriskmusic8256]

Thank you for the insight. I am worship leader praying about transitioning into being a pastor and this opened my eyes. The point that hit home for me is “asking God to be with us” in prayer when he is already present and never left.

[@changingchristianity7941]

Great stuff. Thanks for speaking out! Related to number 1, it disturbs me when ministers "welcome the Lord" or encourage others to "welcome Him in our service today." As you said, God is already here, always, all the time. He is waiting for us to connect with Him. When we connect with Him in prayer, worship, repentance, etc., then we often feel His reciprocation and recognize Him speaking to our hearts.

[@dwifred472]

Thanks haha I’m not a pastor, but this definitely convicted me and im going to apply it to my life! Appreciate it.

[@anthonytrujillo8158]

I enjoyed the bulk of these. I was taken by surprise with the last one. I read that we are prepared for the master's use.

[@darwincruz20]

I used to say those words when I was still lacking seminary training. Thanks for your content. :)

[@ProPreacher]

Thank you. Me too. I’ve been guilty of them all.

[@edwardwicks304]

I think that you are on point with all of these phrases. I have been guilty of a few of them myself. Makes me want to rethink and rephrase some of my statements so that I am more accurate in my communication.

[@reneedove9008]

The word Proud is a big one used in society today. A lot of scriptures against the word proud. The word we should use is "well pleased" Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

[@byrnenoel6317]

Statement #2 : "Christianity isn't a religion" I used to believe that it wasn't until I looked it up in the bible... It is a religion. James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

[@anthonyanderson9771]

Thank you! I don't know how so many students of the Word, pastors, preachers, etc have missed this logical connection for decades.

[@quimby3247]

All good suggestions. The one criticizing people who quickly say that God told them to do something is particularly bothersome to me. And I’m glad that you mentioned it as using God‘s name in vain which is something I have also explained it as doing. I think also we need to stop saying that, for example, after ministering at a children’s camp we believe that we “touched” a lot of kids. That’s a huge gross oversight in how that can be misunderstood. I also don’t like it when people come back from some evangelical speaking and say that there were however many decisions made. I know what they mean but I think it’s more accurate to say that 100% of the people made a decision because no is also a decision. Also I wish we would stop “loving on” people. That feels like something we should need consent for.

[@bennokurvits1420]

I fully agree. You are not being nit-picky. One other one that I hear occasionally in welcomes given to everyone at the start of services: "I am just so exciting to see you all here today." Maybe that could be literally true once in a while, but certainly not every Sunday. I seek to welcome people to our services warmly every Sunday, but wow, I'm not that excited as the expression conveys. Maybe it's my fault. Maybe I should be super excited every Sunday. But this language seems a bit over-the-top to me.

[@joshkass]

All good picks and points! I especially love #6 and #7. Good intentions but have been abused unfortunately.

[@faaolatagavao891]

Love the wisdom, thank you. Great reminder for me as pastor to think before I speak. Bless you brother.

[@klean8is5]

Finally some sense brother!!!! Well said

[@ben2000music]

Thank you. I totally agree with all 8.

[@christysmith5211]

Great job pastor!! My husband and I are senior pastors. I always like to grow and it’s great to hear some constructive feedback!!

[@SaintDrews]

1st Timothy 2:12😉

[@amadough7590]

Most churches aren’t even reaching their own neighborhood... 🤐

[@michaelwilliams5395]

Man number 6 hit home The COGIC and Pentecost believers abuse this one. God said to me or I hear the Lord etc

[@mrbigguy6905]

I am not a pastor, but I refrain from saying that. I usually say, "I feel the Holy Spirit is leading"

[@kvelez]

1:00 HAHA, this one gave me a chuckle. 1:57 HAHA, I liked this one. 3:49 Interesting. 5:24 wow. 6:51 Amen. 7:53 Amen. 8:38 HAHAHA, I LOVED THIS ONE. 9:50 HAHAHA, I LOVED THIS ONE TOO.

[@samuelchang967]

I'm already blessed watching ur video.tq pastor

[@ashabengia1921]

Thank you for sharing this kind, it's helpful .

[@FullMoon7]

Thank you Pastor

[@bennywaters5736]

Some helpful thoughts here. Thanks, from from land down under.

[@versesbibletruth4512]

Thank you.

[@brianf1710]

This is good...thank you for this video!

[@magikk297]

This really helped, Thank you

[@grahamtrout9441]

I'm not sold on the "use" point. If a person has a problem with being used, then they won't be a very useful servant. Thanks for sharpening the iron brother. ❤

[@deb681]

Thank you. I learnt from your sharing

[@germanshepherd9982]

One of the my favorite questions to ask a PREACHER Especially in 2019.....I believe paul ask a question..... ""Have you received the holy ghost since you believed""? What did he mean then??? I'm one of those that takes The Bible at face value......I believe EVERTHING,,,everyword.....even we can raise the Dead........I believe every word of it

[@RevivalPortland]

Yes, good, and there are 1,000s more on a list we could add. I think I could listen to you a lot.

[@carmenguinn7374]

That # 7. Preach Sir.

[@paulgubba7259]

On the topic of the video . When a pastor or preacher online or in person habitually smiles , smirks or generally laughs at those who are not saved . Those who have not cried out to Jesus . It’s not right or Holy to grin at those who do not have the Holy Spirit breathed into them by our Creator. Don’t smirk or boast . Plant seeds ……. Always . There is no excuse not to be planting seeds each day as often as is possible . God bless everyone

[@yannibelousov3204]

One of my pastors recently said this "Jesus is better than pizza fridays"

[@truthovertea]

Bro, I'm in all agreement with your list. The "Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship" thing really really bothers me for the same reason. Thanks for including that.

[@MrsDVK]

I have heard a couple of Pastors say...sheep beget sheep...in other words, it's not the Pastor's job to do evangelism. Well, I say if the Lord is your Shepherd (Psalm 23), that makes you a sheep.

[@caffeineman72]

1. “God please be here with us today” 2. “Christianity isn’t a religion” 3. “Christianity isn’t about following a set of rules.” 4. “At our church, we’re reaching the world.” 5. “Notice that exclamation point.” 6. “Smok’n hot wife.” 7. “God told me” 8. “Be used by God.” “God wants to use you.”

[@nigelovens8110]

Thank you. I am certainly guilty of saying some of these. A lot of very useful points here. It's wonderful how God has "birthed" these thoughts in your life. :) That's another phrase I don't like . 'Give birth to', 'given birth to', etc. You can birth a ship, but that has a completely different meaning.

[@johnhathaway7142]

That was really great. I do believe that Pastors and those who speak out at church can be very careless in how they phrases things, leaving people confused or under condemnation. Similarly when they use words that they think everybody understands and so doesn't clarify what they mean eg speaking about their church, we are a family, or we love each other. Oh yes? Elaborate with examples.

[@nelson72710]

I agree with all of this but #8 it’s too extreme because it’s just a noble thing as you say. But I mean no big deal. Great video! God bless you

[@jtothee713]

Here's a few doozies: 'get plugged in', 'doing life together', and my barn house overflowing with blessings just before offering plate is handed out

[@aft4835]

Many of these things were exported to Europe by American missionaries. Thanks for your content!

[@wisdomscripture5530]

The religion one is constantly used. I once saw a youth group sticker/advertisement that read “Hate religion? So did Jesus.” That is a mindset we all have to fight to reverse because it’s just not true.

[@travisjohnson107]

Well that's odd, because I was informed that my LORD and SAVIOR has no hate in his heart...🤷‍♂️

[@anthonyanderson9771]

Agreed. The push against the "religious leaders" has gone far beyond the intended scope.

[@brotherjethro859]

Amen

[@heavenlyhealingministry4474]

I like your videos brother. I enjoy it.learn from it.God bless u.india

[@solandra.h]

I love number 6!!! YASSS

[@ProPreacher]

Thanks Solandra!

[@vince065us]

One phrase that I don't care for is,"All the time,God is good, and God is good,all the time." Another one that I don't like is,when they pray to invite The Holy Spirit into the worship service.The church is God's house.He's the host and we're the guest.

[@clarkhiggins6095]

Good list, however I think you were a little nitpicky on the “church reaching the world”, I’ve heard it used in the context of the world being those who don’t know Christ, so that can be anyone. Someone in your own household, work, school, etc... And lately, is seems that the greatest mission field is really here in America, so just my two cents. Everything else was plausible.

[@wesleytaylor2623]

Holier then thou ⛪️😇

[@byrnenoel6317]

Also the cliche: "I have a burden for....soul-winning" Why is Christianity or the Christian ministry of evangelism referred to as "a burden." Why not a "passion" for soul winning.

[@anthonyanderson9771]

I believe they're referencing the prophets longings and messages (usually the ones around Habakkuk's time line. It's the first sentence in their books). I like the word "charge" better : I sense a growing 'charge' to reach x peoples. Or maybe appointment? Anointing? Anyone have thoughts?

[@vince065us]

#7 is a pet peeves of mine.I have a problem with this.

[@brotherjethro859]

Saying thank you for coming? Because I felt like a religious or lets say traditional ways like doing it the fellowship for coming i think its better to say praise the Lord your here

[@markarioux1552]

Awesome energy my brother! A Question, will you teach me how to preach really I am a student in the master's of divinity at GCTS Brand Canyon Theological Seminary. However, I have this overwhelming passion to preach God's Word to the world but I could use a little guidance in getting there and no my pastor does not have it to teach. Please let me know or direct me to someone who will. God's blessings my brother, keep up the energy!!!

[@ProPreacher]

Thank you, Mark. If you’d like to learn about preaching from me, I have two books or an online preaching course that you might be interested in. You can find it all at ProPreacher.com

[@olusolaisrael6776]

Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher. Try Him.

[@skylergerald3546]

One phrase that always gets me is "in the Hebrew/Greek this word really means". Now, I'm sure that pastors who have gone through seminary (or even if they didn't) will probably be aware of or know how to navigate the lexical range of a given word. And certainly there are times when context tells us that a different word should be used other than the one a given English translation employs... but your congregation doesn't likely doesn't know that. At best, a congregant will know how translation operates and can interpret that sentence. At worst, a congregant will think their Bible has errors and that you (the pastor) "really" know what God's word means. I think it's better to say, "this Hebrew/Greek word (insert word here) can also be understood as (insert other rendering here)". That helps you interoduce what you're really trying to communicate without possibly tripping a bliever who isn't aware of all this stuff.

[@anthonyanderson9771]

Great addition!

[@daviddeppisch4948]

This smokin hot preacher told me that God had a wonderful plan for my life-- actually that GOD told her she had a word for me. She said God wanted to use me for great service to the church and then told me I was in charge of taking out the garbage. So I took her outside the church and locked her out.

[@CrystalClearThoughts]

Hahaha this is great!

[@eliswanson4195]

"smoking hot wife" was the last thing I expected to hear in this video, I think that's a good thing.

[@Humhab]

The Kingdom of God or heaven is within us. Heaven is not as much a place to go to as it is a place to live from. Thanks for serving us powerfully through you wonderful videos!

[@brotherjethro859]

Can u also topic about worship?

[@HOEA-WAKA]

You’re great, Videos are too.

[@skylerreddy5436]

Their websites lack of information about The Savior.

[@Skipbo000]

It is obvious that God created you to do this. Thank you.

[@paulebenezer3696]

I agree with everything except the 10th point God doesn’t “use” you.. you explained it well but still the word “use” is right.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

These are good ones. Particularly on the Christianity isn't a religion one, I also laugh at how many people like to say they aren't part of a denomination. I hear that Catholic isn't a denomination (pre-denominational), same with Eastern orthodox. Calvary Chapel and Vineyard and basically every association isn't a denomination (Because they don't own the churches or have Episcopal polity, etc.) Church of Christ is VERY big on how they aren't a denomination. But denomination just is a neutral term that means a group of congregations that can be identified as similar by name, or history, or beliefs. In that sense, even completely independent churches like Independent Baptists or Methodists can rightly be referred to as being in a denomination. Just don't tell them.

[@timothyowen4503]

Yep, this post is right on. Especially with a lot of Churchof Christ folks like to say this. But they're mistaken.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

"Reaching the world", if you reach one person, thay will go and reach someone else. I really think it is ment as the butterfly effect.

[@anselmsalins5806]

Just a question…., where did the term for a Pastor , “Reverend “ or worse, “The Reverend “ come from? Where is it addressed in the Bible? Where is the word “Lay” person in The Bible? Class of Christians?🤔

[@777igg]

Number 6 yeah I hear ya obviously if they have several children it’s safe to assume that they have a healthy passionate sex life and it is a important issue but that’s not all a marriage consist of an when they go bragging about it it doesn’t sound very appropriate and it’s also discouraging for singles Who are single for whatever reasons.

[@FamilyPastors]

I wish pastor's wouldn't say super critical things about other preachers, that are literally nitpicking.

[@702prodigy]

any way i can reach out to you?

[@ProPreacher]

www.propreacher.com/contact/

[@nathanielhickmanll6498]

How did you become a pastor?

[@ProPreacher]

Years of serving the church, having leaders in the church see give me more and more responsibility, and having God confirm my calling to ministry throughout the years in various ways. So I committed my life to serving the Lord, and have studied the Bible ever since-formally in Bible College and Seminary, and informally in daily reading on my own. It ‘s a long story of God working through my life in many ways.

[@darrenhack291]

I agree with what you say other than you use the (ESV) instead of the (KJV).

[@FollowerOftheRisenChrist]

I'm just curious what your thoughts are, how so many women are pastors & the churches are ok with it. But the Bible is very clearly against it. I pray someone can help me understand this better.

[@Joy6168]

@FCJ that’s a common misconception. The Bible is against women talking when the pastor is giving a sermon, not in women becoming pastors of churches.

[@wernerbrotherton9112]

Someone once told me that the first thing you should do on your honeymoon is to open the bedroom door to let the Holy Spirit in. It turned into an awkward discussion. Thanks, I really enjoyed this video. Only discovered you today...

[@anthonyanderson9771]

Whaaa?! Thank goodness I've never heard that one.

[@doomerquiet1909]

Hedge of protection, like, honestly, to anyone not from the south or a Christian household they have no idea what it means😂

[@byrnenoel6317]

Another one is "I went to bible college, graduated, and then in _____ year I felt a burden from the Lord for ______ and I 'surrendered' to the Lord's calling on March ________" As if the Christian ministry is about fighting God about what he is calling us to do. The word surrender conveys the wrong concept.

[@pkpapers]

"Smokin' hot" is a Taledega Nights expression, isn't it? Hey, like, super-awesome. Am I over-exaggerating?

[@drcrocker88]

Yes it is. It was used by a very well known pastor who referenced the movie in his sermon. I think the point is more about respecting women and not objectifying them which that phrase could easily be seen as doing...

[@avkingjamesbaptistchurch6270]

Have you seen any original? Cmon bro... I really do enjoy some of your sermon prep stuff... You do have some good material... But you and i know, that there are no originals, and please remember when you are going to "the greek" to list which one you are referencing. I am bringing this to your attention as a reminder because your congregation needs a pastor that believes the Bible. I would love to send you some material if you have a po box or something... For study purposes! Thanks for your time and consideration

[@paulgubba7259]

I feel the word religion is man made . It is below our Creator . I do follow the Christian as having that genuine and sincere relationship with Jesus. Any word , position which makes one person feel above anyone else troubles me . A pastor who stresses how he is the most important person of his church / congregation ? It is causing me great confusion . I have had moments come on suddenly where I do not trust him . Does anyone have a similar experience? It would be so nice of you to help me through this dilemma. Also after a few months I am constantly having a feeling of intruding on a very established “ Click “. Both these situations are causing me to consider finding another Church . Humbly I say to you that I have been a very helpful , generous and I participate in both life groups and Bible study during the week . I stay for both services sometimes because I feel the Holy Spirit so powerfully and am in a deep state of prayer to end it so I remain for the second service . I also help set up and break down . This list of my activities I take part in is for context , not for credit or to be confused with deserving better . I Love my Heavenly Father /My Lord and Saviour Jesus unconditionally……. knowing I will never be worthy . Again any comments , I thank you ahead of them. God Bless you all …. My brothers and sisters in Christ .

[@davidjeffery4877]

#2 made me laugh. One true religion. Amen.

[@independentbaptistchurchof8016]

look at the center of the lens, that is where our eyes at :)

[@dennisgahm]

Repent of all your sins. I'd like to see any Christian who has completely turned away from all sin. And repent doesn't mean turning from all sin, it means a desire and a trying. And I think saying God be here with us, is a child like prayer that I approve of. I think we all know that God is not as present at times - dry seasons; so we all know what it means.

[@c_los_creations]

#8 was knit picky, it's almost as if you deliberately misunderstood what the phrase meant and played the devils advocate when you didn't have to. I think most people correctly understand the phrase when they hear it. I haven't met anyone who has been offended by that phrase. Are you saying that you don't want to be "used" by God? Why not?

[@rileyhiggins4753]

If you don’t have your bible use the pew bible in front of you and turn to page 1276. That is so condescending. Just refer to the page number in the pew bible you don’t have to make people feel guilty for not having there own bible

[@JohnVianneyPatron]

"binding in Jesus name'???

[@mofimTV]

1. God be with us with us today. As wanr to feel God move and touch people 2. Christian is not a religion but a relationship. More than a religion or set of rules, it is a relationship. The one true religion though. Set of beliefs with superhuman being, rituals, moral code governing a group of people. 3. Not about following a set of rules. But there are. Moral rules aee a big deal. Not just about following them but if we love God we will. Jn 14:15 We fall short a lot. 4. Reaching the world. The universal Church will. Not your brand alone. 5. Exclamation ❗ in a text wasn't in there in the original texts. 6. Smoking hot wife. Praise the inside godly wife more. Don't talk about your sex life. 7. God told me. Deep in my soul i feel God was speaking to me in that moment. Verse jumped out. Thought popped in head, pretty sure He was speaking to me. 8. God wants to USE you. ~Abuse? God leads, moves thru U.

[@Rob9mm]

Not a phrase but I hear pastors speaking a bit too much about their workouts.

[@Ph4n_t0m]

I have always had a tenuous relationship with religions and, in particular, Christianity. This led me to seek truth on my own, and, having found it, I see it is the same truth as everyone else's (atheists and Christians alike, to name but two). This has, thankfully, allowed me to watch and listen to videos from Christians without my adolescent urge to retch. I say this as a lead-in to my heartfelt thanks to you, for your gentleness, and your tolerance. I appreciate the caution you apply to your wording, the exactness of your message, and your awareness of the glorious diversity of the wider world. You are doing a very well, so please take heart in that. I would like to draw your attention to another niggling detail: I believe that God is greater than any divisive gender, so I try not to refer to 'him' or 'her', but I understand the linguistic convenience of using such pronouns - it would be wise not to become too attached to some 'male' deity. I'm confident that you've already considered this, but it bears mentioning again, in the context of the power of words - they can be pernicious in their way of 'funneling' our expectations, closing our hearts and minds without our noticing, and leading us astray when used casually.

[@jamesgossweiler1349]

Orthodox Christian doctrine teaches that God is neither male nor female; the pronoun is used both out of convenience by the Bible authors. Of course, Jesus was unquestionably male.

[@Ph4n_t0m]

@@jamesgossweiler1349 thank you for your reply and clarification. However, literary convenience can still have long reaching, subtle and subconscious ramifications. More overtly, lesser people are also afforded the convenience of having "the holy written word" to support their claim that God is male and therefore imply that females are not godlike. Convention in this day and enlightened age is no excuse to continue erroneous ways. My caution still stands in the face of deep and pervasive inequity between genders.

[@hakeemwhos]

In teaching us to pray, Jesus referred to God as Father.

[@c_los_creations]

Christianity definitely can be a religion when it's made to be all about following rules and being good because that's what all religions are about. Jesus is the only God who loves His followers and died for them and wants to have a personal relationship with them.

[@GregRickard]

Point 1: Jesus said where 2 or 3 are gathered... so that means when they aren't then he isn't.

[@adonisguzman9822]

Hahaha! second one don’t agree with you. Great job tho

[@omoregbeogbebor7905]

Christianity is not a religion, I agree with every other except this. What's ur biblical proof or is it based on ur opinion?

[@ProPreacher]

Part of my reasoning is based on the definition of the word “religion.” Another part is based on Scripture like James 1:26-27, where the Bible seems to be equating true religion with truly being a follower Jesus. Most who say Christianity is not a religion have a different definition of the word religion, so in that sense and by their definition, I undertsand what they’re trying to say.

[@leeharrison5431]

Call me . God did

[@joshualieder7524]

Pitchforks? Burn at the stakes?

[@frankkincannon799]

I wish people would stop saying when someone's relative or loved one passes away that they're gone because God needed them. Is emphasized more than the fact that God is the one you should be dependent that not the loved one you lost there is potential for great life after the loss of a loved one

[@jillian5582]

Agreed. That has always put a bad taste in my mouth.

[@chosen1163]

I disagree with god wants to use you.. just because it has a different connotation doesn’t mean we don’t use it I love you but I disagree

[@MKillrZ]

The one about being used by God is overthinking it a little.

[@ProPreacher]

That's fair. I have wondered the same