Preach the Word, Not Push People Away

Preach the Word, Not Push People Away

As church pastors and leaders, we are called to be shepherds to a lost and dying generation, sharing the love and truth of God’s Word. One of the greatest challenges we face is balancing our commitment to biblical truth with compassion for those who are living in sin. However, it’s important to remember that our role is not to push people away from attending church but to bring them under the preaching of the Word, allowing God’s Spirit to convict and transform their hearts.

We may not agree with someone’s lifestyle or the choices they have made but rejecting them at the door denies them the opportunity to hear the gospel and experience the convicting power of God’s Word. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If we refuse to allow people into the church service because we disagree with their sin, we rob them of the chance to encounter the very Word that can lead them to repentance and salvation.

It is not our responsibility to convict—only God can do that. John 16:8 tells us that it is the Holy Spirit who “will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Our duty is to preach the Word in love, trusting that the truth of Scripture, delivered with grace, will accomplish what God intends.

That said, there is a distinction between welcoming people to hear the Word and granting participation in the service or membership in the church. As leaders, we have the responsibility to protect the sanctity and order of worship. This means we must prayerfully decide who is allowed to serve in ministry roles or join the church as members. For those who continue in sin over time and show no signs of repentance despite hearing the truth preached, it may become necessary to sit down with them one-on-one. In love, we can discuss their sin, explaining the biblical standard and urging them to align their lives with God’s Word.

Rejecting someone outright because of their sin makes us no different from the rest of the world, casting stones and judging them based on their past or present struggles. Jesus Himself set the example of grace and truth when He ministered to sinners. In John 8:7, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” He did not condone sin, but He also did not turn people away. Instead, He spoke truth in love and called them to repentance.

As pastors and preachers, our calling is to proclaim God’s Word boldly and compassionately. Preach His Word with love and leave the convicting and drawing to God. By opening our doors and hearts to those who are hurting and lost, we create a space where the transforming power of the gospel can work.

Let us remember that the church is not a museum for the righteous but a hospital for sinners. Our mission is to bring people into the presence of God, preach His Word faithfully, and trust Him to do the rest.