First, have the right motives.

Second, have the right time.

Third, have the right words.

Carefully choose the words you will use when making the appeal to your pastor. Marketing strategists know that the selection of words is critical in getting consumers to buy a product or service. Nehemiah was a guy that knew the right words to use when making his appeal to the king to go back and rebuild the walls. Read Nehemiah 1 and 2 sometime and read his careful selection of words.

Here are four ways to make sure your words are right.

1. Give an accurate account of both sides. When making an appeal, it’s easy to get let your words get out of balance. Let your pastor see that you understand his position.

2. Be positive. Refuse to turn this into a contest or negative conversation. Remember your reputation is on the line so guard it (Prov. 22:1).

3. Be creative with alternatives. Bring them with you to the table.

4. Be prepared with what you are going to say. Your pastor is busy. Respect his busy schedule by thinking through the conversation in advance.

Tomorrow I’ll share with you my final tip for making an appeal to your pastor. See you then.