What’s Good Can Also Be Bad

Over time, most ministers become quite skilled in regard to the matter of talking. That’s good, especially when you take into account that preaching makes up a good part of their job description.

As this talking talent improves, however, there comes a time when ministers should also begin working on listening. Unfortunately, I know too many pastors who haven’t matured in this fashion, and that’s not good.

Church members are content to let their pastor do all the talking when he or she is in the pulpit. But they’re reluctant to allow that pattern to continue in other settings. Are you someone who tends to dominate just about all conversations?

Has your spouse ever said to you something like, “You talked tonight more than everyone else in the room combined”?

Has an older member of your congregation ever been bold enough to say, “Pastor, you talked way too much in the meeting! Let some other people share their opinion before you jump in”?

More important still, have you recently sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to let other people share their thoughts before you blurt out yours?

Good listening skills are usually not taught in seminary. Maybe it would be good if they were. But over time, you can pick them up on your own. Like all disciplines, being a good listener usually takes a while to master. But it can be done.

I know. It’s something I’ve really struggled to get good at!

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Please click here to visit David Mains’ Sermon-Coach.com website.

You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.

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