A “loose cannon” is a person lacking insight. Their whose actions and/or speech jeopardizes the safety of people in their proximity or under their authority. In the body of Christ, we have powerful and gifted people who can do great good or great harm. 

The only way that power and gifting have focus and ultimate effectiveness is when each cannon is under the authority and command of the captain. Cannons left to themselves always damage other Christians, and if left unchecked can bring down the whole ship.

One of our jobs as a minister is also to help people discover their spiritual gifts and then create avenues for them to use those gifts to help grow the church. The difficulty comes when a member wants to use their gift or gifts to find acceptance and affirmation instead of serving.

The Greek word for ministry is doulos: serving. Not yourself and your agenda; the body of Christ and His agenda.

As a pastor or leader, you’ve been entrusted with a vision of where God wants to lead your church. It doesn’t mean that you have all the answers. You don’t. It doesn’t mean that some in your congregation may have great, God-breathed ideas that can help; they do.

God sends people our way to disciple them. 

I would have rather have ten people who know how to serve than 1000 loose cannons. I absolutely do not care how much talent, credentials, abilities or commendations they have. Are they willing to serve? Do they show up early and leave late? Are they coming to you and asking how to help.

If a person is a servant of God, the ministry is all about Him; it is all about his church. They don’t need or want a spotlight.

What do you do with loose cannons? I share three tips during the podcast and in the download here.