Video Transcript: You Are The Message (Edited)

As you develop people skills, it becomes evident that "you are the message." This idea traces back to Jesus Christ. He embodied the message He came to deliver. This is the essence of incarnation: becoming the message you're meant to convey. Roger Ailes refers to this as the "composite you."

The "composite you" means that your communication isn't just about the words you use. Apostle Paul wrote about imprinting on human hearts, guided by the Holy Spirit. In essence, there is no room for inauthenticity; you are your message.

Effective communication is about being fully present. When you enter a room or engage in conversation, the receiving person absorbs various symbols and signals from you. These cues shape their perception of who you are and what you stand for.

Being self-aware is key. I'd recommend writing down your strengths in communication—like tone, pace, and physical presence—and also areas where you need improvement. This exercise helps deepen your understanding of your "composite self."

When you meet new people, try to form an overall impression quickly. Note specific details about their appearance, attitude, and voice. Practicing this will refine your ability to read people, a skill crucial for effective communication.

In ministry, aligning your message with your identity is especially vital. Your effectiveness lies in your authenticity, in being the same person whether you're delivering a sermon or engaging in a casual conversation. All communication is a form of dialogue—between you and others, and between you and God.

Importantly, you should take responsibility for your communication. If misunderstandings occur, it's generally the communicator's fault. Owning this responsibility often opens doors you hadn't imagined possible.

In conclusion, the core takeaway is comfort in your own skin. As you grow spiritually and personally, your communication should reflect that growth. You are the message, and the message will resonate most when you're consistently "you" at your best.

I want to share the story of my own life's intersection with Rich DeVos, a man who has been a tremendous blessing to Christian Leaders Institute since the early 2000s. Rich DeVos was instrumental in launching the Institute, making the opening donation that set everything in motion.

Over the years, people have often inquired about how I met this godly man committed to building the kingdom of God. The answer dates back to around 1990. At the time, I felt called to execute a mailer campaign that would cost $12,000. This was going to be a large-scale effort, a full-color mailer reaching 30,000 to 40,000 people. I was a church planter back then, and I had heard that Mr. DeVos was a charitable Christian.

So, without knowing him, I took the initiative to call his corporate office. The assistant informed me that Mr. DeVos was unlikely to respond without a written request. Despite this, I persisted respectfully with follow-up calls. After several days, to my astonishment, he called me back. I had only 15 minutes to make my case; I did, asking for the $12,000 we needed for the mailer. Mr. DeVos graciously agreed to fund it.

A couple of years later, when I was planting a church in Colorado, I met an Amway distributor who approached me with considerable enthusiasm, despite having a lisp and difficulty with speech. This made me think: if someone is this passionate about Amway, then I have something to learn from Rich DeVos, who co-founded Amway with Jay Van Andel. I sent a fax to his corporate office requesting mentorship, and within 24 hours, he had responded with his contact details. This was the beginning of a long-lasting mentorship and support relationship that greatly benefited both the Kingdom of God and Christian Leaders Institute.

Matthew 7:7 states, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." In our mentorship, Mr. DeVos would often say that it's okay to ask. If someone declines your request sincerely, then you know not to waste time asking them again for the same favor. However, if they recognize the sincerity of your heart and feel called to participate, they will.

The takeaway from all of this is: you are the message. You are called by God to perform ministry. Taking that next step in your calling is what it means to be "people smart" in ministry. So I urge you to consider how you're perceived and ensure it aligns with who you actually are. I pray that God will give you both insight and blessings on this journey.