Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists (KNCSB)

People skills are key to effective ministry

“I believe that good people skills are foundational for effective pastoral ministry,” Bob Sheffield says. “Since these skills are open to a wide range of interpretations, I will define people skills as ‘the ability of a pastor to minister effectively to and through people’.”

Sheffield is a former pastoral ministries specialist with LifeWay Christian Resources.

He urges pastors to “study the life of Jesus and learn how He related to people. Re-read the gospel accounts that show how Jesus related to and worked with both followers and adversaries.” Remember:

• “You will not be able to get along with everybody all the time.
 
• “Everybody has one or more difficult persons in their lives.
 
• “You can’t change people; only God can. You will have to learn how to relate to people as they are.
 
• “People are not perfect and therefore will disappoint and even hurt you from time to time.”

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