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I met a lot of new people yesterday during the process of getting things switched over to Colorado stuff. At a few occasions the people asked me what I did. I responded that I was a minister for the Castle Rock church of Christ. Every time I mentioned that I was a preacher, the people would start to get nervous, stop talking, or completely pretend that I did not state this line. People would start to feel uncomfortable. People have a lot of various ideas about a preacher because of background or the news or the culture. Some people see the preacher as the moral police or the detective in the town. Unlike the South, where there are preachers all around, in the West this is not the case. As soon as I made the preacher comment I would make a joke or some other comment to put the people at ease. People are scared when you mention that you are a minister and a wise preacher will let the people know that they are normal, have a sense of humor, and can be related to on an average basis. As a minister deals with those in the community this first impression is going to have a powerful influence for the future. If you can make people feel comfortable around you there is a better chance of them coming to you again for a spiritual concern.
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About The Author
If you are stern or serious, this is going to hurt how people relate to you in public.
Everyone likes talking hockey. Tell them you were a Predators fan that will get them talking.
Sometimes I think that being a preacher would make me more effective, but I forget the stereotypes that you guys must battle. I remember calling a co-worker after she was fired from her job for unethical behavior a few years ago. I have always had a good sense of humor (but it does not come across well on blogs). After a long conversation, she told me, “Thank you for calling me. I always thought of you as a kind of pastor–an ornery one, but someone who still cared about people, even people like me.” I’m not sure she would have taken the call from a preacher, but that’s why we need both preachers and members like me who are rarely public in our ministries. Some people would never talk to me seriously about spiritual matters since I am not paid to be an “expert” in such matters. Others may never talk to you since you are a paid expert. You could be intimidating to some. People are different, and every member is needed to reach different types of people. I hope your ministry goes well in Colorado!
Around here I talk about the Avs.
“Around here I talk about the Avs.”
Good Thing. They might pack you back up and move you back to Nashville.