Dr. Couch, you often speak of “Games Christians play!” Give some examples.
Generally speaking, what drives Christian Game Playing is: (1) “envy,
strife, and division” that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 3. (2) The
“disability” of some Christians to look at themselves. Here are some of
the things that help us identify Christian Game Players:
- (1) If they have differences they just sneak out into the night, leave and tell no one they are going.
- (2) When they first come to your church they say: “Oh, this church is just what I am looking for!” Don’t believe it until they have been there for some time.
- (3) They pride themselves on their perfection and “holiness.” Watch out! They’ll judge you and stab you in the back!
- (4) They’ll tell you, “No, I’m not from a fighting fundy denomination!” But they are and you’ll find it out later!
- (5) When they start to leave (which they won’t tell you about) they quit giving their offering. A sure sign they are about to bail out!
- (6) The games they play are usually negative! They don’t like: Awana, this or that person teaching their kid, etc., etc.!
- (7) They are “rule” oriented. They are extremely tight in their Christian walk, very judgmental, legalistic, usually King James only.
- (8) The wife does all the griping. The husband just looks like a bump on the log! Watch out!
- (9) If you are a new pastor, be careful of the first couple who takes you out to dinner. They often are the ones who will do a surprise attack some time later.
- (10) They do not sit down and discuss problems. They can’t because they know they are wrong in so many of their views. So they will just look sour and stay their distance.
- (11) Another sign they are about to leave is that they will start coming to church late and leave early. That means they are about to punt the ball and head out the door!
In all my years of ministry I have seen this kind over and over.
People who do these things are spiritual cowards, immature wimps, and
deadly to a warm, open congregation. Let them go! Don’t run after them
and say, “Oh, please, what is wrong!” They love to be begged! You don’t
need these folks.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
