“No” is a Complete Sentence
One of the hardest answers for church leaders is give when asked to complete a task or take on a new project is “No.” I assure you, however, that it should be frequent part of your vocabulary. “No” is a complete sentence. Let me explain by breaking it down from a grammar perspective, but then from a practical perspective.
Understand the “No”
“No” is a complete sentence because the intended subject, even though it’s not written, is the word “you”, as in, I’m telling you, “No.” So, grammatically speaking, it’s a complete sentence because it contains an implied subject and verb which addresses an intended action, or in this case, inaction.
Whether you are asked to do something at your church or on your job, or maybe your family asked you to do something, it’s okay to say “No.”
Justify the “No”
Consider these questions to justify your “No.”
- Do you have the time?
- Do you have the energy?
- Do you have the focus?
Say the “No”
How you say “No” matters. You can express yourself without being mean or dismissive. As my mom often says “You can disagree without being disagreeable.” This can done in a loving, kind, Godly, nice, wonderful, polite way.
James 1:19 adds this advice: “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; or the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”
Embrace the “No”
Admittedly, saying “No” isn’t always easy or comfortable. I assure, you, however, that it’s an integral part of establishing and maintaining personal, emotional, and spiritual boundaries which help you become a more effective church leader.