04.06.14 The 10th Key for Adding Value to Your Church

10. Never Participate in Negative ‘Church Gossip’

I recall one morning when a sister called, suggesting that I should counsel a particular church member who had been living a life that was not befitting for a christian (at least, so the sister claimed). Much as I understood my caller’s genuine efforts to assist the person, advising that individual out of the blue and on the basis of hearsay would have definitely implied that I had been entertaining negative gossip. So, after prayerfully thinking through my caller's request, I did not get any spiritual clearance to proceed (Psalm 105:15). My sister, it does not mean that you should necessarily ignore similar requests from people, but do not swing into action before praying about it first, since without God's guidance, your efforts could backfire thence making the situation worse.

When it comes to Lydia, the bible does not report any incidents of negative gossip at the Philippian church unlike what was happening in Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:20). She and her church members must have been adhering to Paul’s teachings, one of which was about valuing other members above oneself. We read that in Philippians 2:3 which says (CEV): … consider others more important than yourselves. If you value a person, you will not gossip about him or her. It should also be noted that the Philippian Church was very obedient to Paul's instructions (Philippians 2:12).

A value-adding church member keeps away from negative gossip since it can fragment a church rather than keeping members together.

By the way, have you ever encountered a scenario where some members gossiped against their church and its leadership to the point of maligning a fellowship? How did you feel? My sister, one way that you can add value to your church is by protecting and defending its image, especially if you know that the doctrine of your church is founded on biblical truths. Therefore, be careful before entertaining any negative information against your church (James 4:11); since it is an important part of your personal brand and identity.

Some negative church gossip can actually cause members to backslide. Therefore, by shunning such gossip, you keep the body of Christ together rather than allowing cracks to develop as was the case for the Galatian church (Galatians 1:6-9) which says (NKJV): ⁶I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, ⁷which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

In addition to learning the Word from your pastors, set time aside to study it regularly so that you are adequately informed and therefore unswayable. You can also check the preachings you receive to make sure that they are authentic (Acts 17:10-11). In other words, know the Word for yourself rather than always waiting to be spoon-fed.