A Pastor at Heart, Stay Connected to Your People

Written by Kenneth Gosnell

Erwin McManus, in his book entitled Chasing Daylight says, "The most important moments rarely come at a convenient time. Sometimes you wish that God would check your calendar first. The ironic part is that our schedules get packed with mundane and ordinary, and we become irritated with God when He interrupts us with the miraculous and extraordinary."

We often forget that God does the miraculous and extraordinary in our churches when we see people as important rather than as an interruption. Here are six simple ways to stay connected to your people in the midst of a busy schedule.

1. Send postcards and notes of appreciation.
I have found that sending a small note to a person to let them know that I appreciate something that they specifically did means a great deal to them. People have responded with kind words and I have often found these cards on people’s refrigerator when I would come to visit.

2. Pray for the specific needs of your congregation weekly.
One of the most important tasks that I can participate in for my church family is to take their requests, needs, and praises to God. Schedule a specific time each week to pray over the needs of your church family.

3. Create an e-mail file for each of your members and send e-mails regularly.
E-mail allows you as a minister to connect quickly and frequently to your members. You may also e-mail upcoming events or thoughts that you want the church to think about. I e-mail my members a blog post that I think might be helpful to them. This simple e-mail can create a connection moment and/or start a conversation.

4. Create an open door policy for your members.
Welcome visits from your members. Many members would come to talk to the pastor, but feel that the pastor’s work is more important than their lives. It is the responsibility of every pastor to communicate to his members that their lives and needs are the most important aspect of ministry.

5. Take congregation surveys.
A survey allows the pastor to know how the members really feel about the church and its ministry. This simple tool also releases the members to speak their honest feelings and opinions. I have found that all successful organizations create an environment where people can share their true thoughts and feelings. Read How to do a Ministry Survey

6. Start a Pastor’s blog.
You can find out more about blogging at my article entitled: How to Begin Your Own Pastor's Blog. Blogs and other technologies allow you as a pastor and your congregation to develop community together.

I see no job so tasking as that of a minister. Pastors preach sermons, cast vision, understand administration, pray for the sick, perform weddings, funerals, and more. I believe the most important aspect of ministry is staying connected to the people to whom you minister. These small steps will nudge you in the right direction to stay connected even when you are busy.

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Ken Gosnell is the lead pastor for a new church work in the DC Metro area. You can contact Ken at Kenspeaks@gmail.com

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