Initially, when you ask church guests what they like about a pastor, they will respond with a comment about the pastor’s preaching. But if you go just one more level in the conversation, these church guests will also talk about the favorable personality traits of the pastor.
Most of these traits fall under the category of “relational skills.” Here are some of the most common personality traits noted in exit interviews with church guests. Each of the traits is followed with a representative guest comment:
Down-to-earth. “I hadn’t been in church in over seven years. When I visited this church, I was shocked at how the pastor seemed to be a regular guy. When I used to go to church, pastors presented themselves as high and mighty. Not this pastor.”Other-centered. “The pastor is always asking about how others are doing. He really seems to care about how other people are doing.”Sense of humor. “There is no doubt the pastor takes his ministry seriously; he just doesn’t take himself too seriously. He seems to have a lot of fun.”Humble. “The pastor at the church I’m visiting is one of the most humble people I know. He never talks about himself unless it is self-deprecation.”Relational. “The pastor says he is an introvert, but he sure has good relational skills. The two times I spoke with him were very enjoyable conversations.”God-centered. “Pastor Frank is a man of prayer. You can just tell he walks with God.”Not defensive. “I heard someone criticize the pastor after worship services. I was amazed at how he responded kindly and gently. I would have hit the person!”Resources:
Chaney & AssociatesUpward Sports“The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up” by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher (affiliate link)The Church Answers Podcast: #253 Breaking the Stigma: Why Church Finances Shouldn’t Be a Mystery (Multisite Churches Must Listen to This)The Church Answers Podcast: #254 From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Church Finances for Growing MinistriesThe Hope InitiativeFREE Research Report: New Surprising InsightsEpisode Sponsor:
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