Citing your references may seem minor, but it is an act of honor. Sharing others’ quotes, ideas, or thoughts and allowing your church to assume they are original to you is deceptive. Plus, people can easily use Google to find the source, which will deteriorate trust and lessen your credibility.
What’s at the core when pastors don’t cite their sources? I know for me it came down to two things:
- A lack of understanding about the importance of doing so
- Insecurity and wanting to seem insightful.