It appears to be the assumption and/or assertion of the authors of these three books that the understanding of God within the mind of each individual church participant is very important and to be cultivated by truth and guarded against error. My experience with pastors in small churches in small locales has not reflected that position. One pastor in particular sought to correct doctrinal errors gradually over time in his preaching and individual interactions (a good idea), but felt little or no obligation to include the congregation’s musical preferences (♫I come to the garden aloooonnnne♫) in these corrections: an inclusion that may have saved him some time.
In certain circumstances, with certain people, or certain congregations, a more direct approach may yield the intended results without alienating sheep from their flock. However in most situations a more gentle approach will prove the more useful. What obstacles do you think people may have, either pastors or congregants that prevent them from sharing the view of our authors: that how and what they think about God is extremely important? How do you think we can get through these obstacles?
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