What kind of language do you use when you discuss people with problems? Do you pick out certain categories of troublesome behavior and preach forcefully against it? Do you talk about how much evil is being brought on us by sin and sinners? Or, do you use phrases such as "We love the sinner but hate the sin!" Or do you simply call your church a community that welcomes all persons regardless of their lifestyle?
These do not exhaust the possibilities of how a church projects its image into the community.
The mega churches of today tend to ten their public images with great sensitivity. However, just because they are careful to project an image of acceptance, care and love does not mean they have no strong stands on morality. It usually means that they want to draw flawed people into the range of their influence first. They also tend to approach sinners with an understanding that the Holy Spirit can convict and bring change. This means that preaching against sin and sinners is counter productive.
I strongly agree with the idea that preachers cannot bring anyone to conviction and change. We can not replace the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith. My books are all based on the need to treat all persons with Respect, Understanding and Warmth to the best of our spiritual fruit and let God do the rest.
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