I was most interested to learn from a family in my church about their recent holiday in another state. Even more so when they had taken the time to visit a very well known church in that state. I asked them what was it that impressed them most about the church and what could we learn from them.

Their reply surprised me. It was the carpark attendants that impacted them and would even prompt them to return to the church again. They told of how the carpark attendants:

• warmly greeted them.
• helped direct them to a convenient section set aside for newcomers.
• escorted them to the church foyer, whilst holding

(33) “TO MINISTER OR TO MANIPULATE”
There came a time when I was awakened to the fact that my life of service as a pastor was being subtly motivated by my need for appreciation from those that I served. For example, following the preaching of a sermon I would feel valued and appreciated when the feedback was warm and encouraging. Then I read Larry Crabb’s book The Marriage Builder and I learned that in marriage, as in all of life, I had two options in the way I was motivated to serve. First, I can serve by way of manipulating people to respond in a way that will meet my …