Certain preachers only tell people what they want to hear. I hesitate to criticize them too much, because at least they are listening. At least they treat people with respect and are attentive. But preachers are not parrots or panderers, passive mirrors or echoes of our worries. Preachers are called to humble themselves and listen with respect, but they are also called to propel people towards where God’s grace can take them. Great preachers must give people a “lead,” which in football means you throw the ball not to where the people are, or even where they’re headed, but to where God is calling them to go. Comfort but guide; love the flock on the ground, but send them soaring. #CarpeManana