Why it’s Important for Ministers to Know People at Their Church

There is a coffee shop I frequent from time to time. Sometimes I go there in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. And while I see different baristas most of the time, there is one thing I have discovered. These baristas know their coffee drinkers. And, I’m not just saying they know the type of coffee they drink. They know all about them. I have seen them discuss personal matters as the customers are waiting for their drinks. I was really impressed with how well the baristas knew their customers.

So how does this apply to ministers? Just like these baristas, an effective minister knows the people at their Church. They recognizes each one, understands their needs, and cares very much about their welfare. Ministry leaders are entrusted with tending to and leading God’s people. They do this by connecting with them, understanding them, and nurturing their spiritual growth. Doing this effectively requires dedicating time to know people on an individual level.

In today’s churches, especially larger ones, it’s easy for ministers and people relationships to become distant and superficial. After all, ministers have lots of things on their plate. They can feel spread thin doing administrative tasks, programming, message prep, events, and other activities. Because of all these tasks, having meaningful pastoral care can start to slip. However, making relationships a priority is worth the effort.

Getting to Know Your Church

When you get to know people at your Church, it enables more impactful teaching. When you understand an individual’s story, struggles, and questions, your preaching can address the specific needs of those who attend your Church in a powerful way. Then, by applying more appropriate Biblical Truths, your teaching becomes more relevant and practical.

As you get to know people, it allows you to tailor your discipleship efforts more effectively. When you know a person’s spiritual maturity, background, temperament and circumstances, you can help point them toward resources and next steps that will resonate most with them. Your discipleship training and equipping becomes more specific and practical rather than generic.

Building and developing caring relationships with people at your Church will provide people with important support during life’s difficulties. When you walk through a job loss, illness, bereavement, or any painful situation with people, you equip them to process it all in a Godly way. Your presence and understanding during these tough times can have deep spiritual impact.

Now, make sure you know that when you choose to invest in relationships, it does come at cost. It means that you will have less time for programs, events, and administration. After all, investing in people requires a significant time commitment. You will have less time and energy to focus on organizing activities, managing staff and volunteers, preparing sermons, attending meetings, and handling logistics. That is why ministers have to become good delegators of other responsibilities. However, through investing in relationships, you will build trust wither others that will serves the larger purpose of your Church and its mission.

WHILE YOU INVEST IN RELATIONSHIP AND GET TO KNOW PEOPLE AT YOUR CHURCH, USE THESE TOOLS TO EXPAND YOUR EFFECTIVENESS AS A MINISTER.

Conclusion

Knowing your people fosters a welcoming, caring environment at your Church. When you remember personal details about peoples lives, follow up on prayer requests, it helps individuals feel valued and cared for. When you prioritize personal connections, it may mean less programs, events, or work projects. However, the tradeoff is incredibly worth it. Follow God and the Good Shepherd’s model who watches over his flock. Tend to the people entrusted to you through nurturing, discipleship relationships. The dividends for your ministry and the Kingdom of Heaven will be eternal.

Before you finish reading this post, write down a quick action plan. How else can ministers get to know people in their Church? Share them below or on social media. 

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