Workshop D · Peer Pressure vs. God Pressure (repeat) — Dr. E. Marcel Jones

Session Overview

Every leader faces pressure. Sometimes it comes from the culture. Sometimes it comes from the congregation. Sometimes it comes from fellow believers. In a world where popularity is often rewarded, and conviction is often criticized, how do spiritual leaders discern the difference between pleasing people and pleasing God? This practical and thought-provoking workshop explores the tension between peer pressure and God pressure. Participants will examine biblical examples of leaders who faced intense opposition, learn how to recognize unhealthy influences, and discover strategies for making decisions rooted in God's calling rather than public opinion. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, teacher, or servant leader, this session will challenge you to lead with courage, conviction, and clarity. There's this horizontal pull from peers and people vs. this vertical pull from God that creates this cross conundrum — sacrificial tension that rises with every decision, every sermon, every interaction with the people we lead. Because let's be honest, we all enjoy the applause from people! But we also chase the affirmation from God.