The #1 Communication Skill Pastors Need to Master

If we were to ask you what you think the number one skill for Communication Skill Pastors Need to Master pastors is, what would your answer be? Many people say any of the following:

• Good oratory skills.
• Knowledge of the Bible.
• Faith that can move mountains.
• Possessing a humble spirit.
• Knowing how to speak other languages in the mission.
• A wealth of life experience.
• Well-traveled.

Yet while all the above are good and needed for leaders of the church, there is one thing that many people overlook: The simple ability to interact with people. We also refer to these as “interpersonal” skills. Communication Skill Pastors Need to Master

Pastors cannot always remain in solitude or prayer all the time. They need to be out among their flocks, guiding them in all the missions.

Christ Set the Example of Good Communication Skill Pastors Need to Master

Because so much of leading the church requires pastors to be around people, you must train your church managers and leaders in these interpersonal skills.

Even Jesus, who spent a lot of time around people, saw the need for his disciples to prioritize this communication with those who followed their group. This is why he told stories. Jesus saw that people all loved stories — they would listen and relate to his teachings better. This is one way he interacted with people in the streets and by the Sea of Galilee. 

When reading accounts from the New Testament, you will also notice how Jesus took his time amongst people, he didn’t rush or hurry the lessons. He spent time listening and also thinking about their answers before guiding them in the best way. This is why people loved and followed him.

Emulate Christ’s example of interpersonal skills, and you too will grow your followers and ministry. 

People Skills for Today

However, so many pastors forget that and focus more on teaching skills or academic knowledge. The truth is that if you want to have a more successful church, get better at communicating with people.

When you communicate well, you know how to exude humility, courtesy, compassion, and empathy. 

You learn how to:

• Notice people.
• Put yourself in their shoes.
• Understand what they need.
• Select the best answers to their problems.
• Not be self-absorbed.
• Focus on giving.
• Demonstrate unconditional love.
• Become full of grace.
• Speak as God would want you to.

Christ was the living embodiment of all of these traits. He had great interpersonal skills.

Bible Verses for Better Communication

Here are some scriptures to refresh your knowledge of what the Word says about communication:

 “You shall not bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

“Be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.” (Titus 3:2)

And the classic chapter on what it really means to love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Tips for Better People Skills Communication Skill Pastors Need to Master

Here are some things to keep in mind to improve your interpersonal skills.

• Don’t criticize without first appreciating the people you are communicating with.
• Be likable. Smile, exude the joy of the Lord.
• Be genuinely interested in others, especially those in your congregation.
• Be a good listener.
• Talk about things that others also find interesting.
• Be mindful of others’ time and schedules when communicating with them.
• Begin conversations with praise and honest appreciation. 

(For more inspiration on this topic, see our blog post on better church services.)

How DonorWerx Can Help

Through DonorWerx, your leaders can also have practical help for learning to be better communicators in the church. Some things we help them to focus on are:

• Learn to make faith-based decisions that also take data into account.
• Access clear and concise content to generate measurable improvements in response and revenue.
• Learn modern, new ways to incorporate technology and authentic communication to build meaningful relationships.

At DonorWerx, we are here to help you in another important area of communication: your digital presence. To prepare your church leaders and pastors for their important work, we have created courses, templates, and resource material on many subjects.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation call and Get started on being better with communication on every level of the church.