So today in staff meeting, SP asks me, "How are things going with the Christmas program?"

I'm actually feeling pretty good about it, and I answered, "Much better than I thought I'd be!  Normally at this point in the game, I'm in panic mode..."

He then interrupted me, laughing, saying, "Okay, as your pastor and as your boss, I want to hear that things are going great - not that you're panicking!"

I said (laughing, too!), "As I was saying, normally at this point, I'm in panic mode, BUT I have a great team and everything's under control and going really well!"

So let this be a lesson to senior pastors and staff pastors alike: Communicate well to avoid misunderstandings and blunders in conversation, lol!!!  Start with a positive comment, even if you have something negative to report, and don't start with something that sounds like it could be misconstrued as negative.  But ALSO, make sure the person is finished speaking before thinking you know what they're going to say!!

Guess it's been a few years since I took Interpersonal Comm (which I still say needs to be a required course for those going into the ministry!)...oh, well - no damage done, lol!!