People Work – 3/26

Working with people is the biggest aspect of ministry. It is the purpose of ministry; interacting and loving on people. But how does one work well with people?

Well this is where learning and understanding people skills plays one of the largest roles. Working with people takes a focused understanding of yourself, but live an outward focused life. Instead of having an inward focus, where a person looks to his or her own needs, the person needs to live with an awareness of others feelings and needs. This is why women thrive in pastoral care position because usually women have a more keen perception of others feelings and emotions, helping them connect and build strong relationships with people.

When interacting with people, it is important to show a concern for their well being. Working with people means building relationship. The pastor should start by forming relationships with his or her congregants, on a personal level to build a sense of trust and companionship, in this way the pastor is a more personal and spiritual influence rather than being just the church figure.

Learning this skill can be done in many ways. First, in order to learn about building relationships and working with people, it is important to read and study the idea. Find books, online resources and talking with others. And of course, the best way to learn is to do. When working with people, take time to reflect and analyze how your interaction was good and how it was bad. Then apply those principles to your life. The End.