Video Transcript: Why Is It Important To Be People Smart In Ministry? (Edited Transcript)

Hello, I'm Henry Reyenga, and I'm thrilled to guide you through this course about the vital role of people skills in ministry. I've spent 30 years in ministry and have realized that honing my interpersonal skills has been invaluable to serving the Lord effectively.

Why Is This Course Important?

Personal Growth: For me, and likely for you, the journey to become more "people-smart" is ongoing. Whether you're a supporter, student, or staff member at Christian Leaders Institute, or involved in bi-vocational ministry, this course can significantly enhance your effectiveness.

Organizational Culture: We aim to nurture a culture at Christian Leaders Institute characterized by grace, love, and mutual respect. We want our graduates to be known for their people skills, continually learning how to love and relate better to others, as encouraged by 1 Peter 3:18 and 1 Corinthians 9:22.

The Importance of Communication

Communication is the lifeblood of every relationship. Studies, including works like Robert Bolton's "People Skills," highlight that poor communication can lead to feelings of loneliness, lack of love, and relational breakdowns. The stark truth is that many of us were taught to communicate poorly, often by well-intentioned people who themselves had inadequate communication skills. As Gerard Egan points out, many of us have learned dysfunctional ways of relating, often from our childhood.

Overcoming Resistance

When we're faced with the need to improve our people skills, it's easy to become defensive. The key is to recognize this resistance and push through it, becoming teachable and willing to grow in this area.

Benefits to Your Ministry

Improving your people skills will not only enhance your ministry but also enrich your personal life. These skills make you more effective, reduce obstacles to God's work, and boost your confidence in your calling.

Next Steps

So, are you ready to grow in your "people-smart" ministry skills? This course invites you to:

1. Engage with Openness: Shed defensiveness and be open to learning.
2. Invite Accountability: Consider discussing course insights with trusted individuals to get more perspectives.
3. Prioritize Prayer: Seek God's guidance and protection for your ego as you undertake this journey.

By embracing these steps, you will hone skills that glorify God and make a tangible impact in your life and ministry.

I want to emphasize that this study on communication will challenge each of us. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, there are areas where you can improve your 'people-smart' skills. For instance, extroverts may need to tone down their talkativeness, while introverts might need to be more assertive.

Your communication style is primarily a learned response. Your parents, who were influenced by their own upbringing, were your first teachers in this regard. Yet, your communication skills are not a fixed trait; they can be improved upon.

Now, it's important to acknowledge that many of us were taught to communicate poorly by well-intentioned individuals who themselves lacked adequate relational skills. We are, in a sense, "victims of victims." Gerard Egan, a psychologist, lists numerous dysfunctional ways of relating that are common in our culture, such as remaining superficial, building facades, and playing interpersonal games.

However, you have a choice. You can either remain a victim of your past or take steps to improve. Change is difficult, especially when you've had years of ingrained habits. Resistance is natural. When we're challenged to improve our people skills, our first reaction is often defensive. But it's crucial to put that resistance aside and adopt a mindset of continuous learning.

Improving your communication skills has a myriad of benefits, especially in the realm of ministry. Better 'people-smart' skills can speed up the discipleship process, make you more effective in your calling, and positively affect your relationships with family and friends.

So, as we begin this course, ask yourself: Are you willing to grow in your people-smart skills for ministry? Are you open to feedback, even from close relationships like your spouse or friends? If bringing other people into this journey hinders your progress, tread carefully.

Remember, this journey isn't about criticism but about improvement. Take your ego out of the equation and ask yourself, "What can I learn to become a more effective communicator?" Approach this journey with a sense of fun, curiosity, and the understanding that nobody is perfect. If you commit to this process with an open heart and mind, I believe that God will grant you new abilities to communicate that will not only enrich your life but also bring glory to Him and impact your ministry positively.