by Stephen W. Robbins

This article reflects on Dallas Willard’s assertion that distraction characterizes most of our local congregations. To better understand and address the reality of distractions, over 100 pastors and Christian leaders were asked the question: “What things can distract you or your church from being successful in God’s eyes?” The answers to this survey fell into three distinct categories: busyness, meanness, and worldliness. Excerpts from Dallas’ writings and teachings are used to confront these named distractions and to impart a remedy for them. Before stepping out into and making their way through the traffic of life and ministry, pastors and their parishioners wisely learn to “stop, look, listen” to Jesus. They increasingly become the kind of people who routinely and naturally follow this elementary rule on the road of transformation.

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