1. Your people skills matter to the congregation at least as much as your knowledge of the Bible. This might not seem right or fair to you, but look at it from the perspective of the average layman who depends on you for guidance and support. If you were a doctor, this would be called your bedside manner and indeed Pastor's are often called to be by the bedside of the dying and console the bereaved family members. You will never achieve the kind of impact you would like to if you ignore this important aspect of ministry. Every Pastor, and leader of all types for that matter, should immediately go out and buy, read and study Dale Carenegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People.
2. You will occasionally be the recipient of gifts. It might be tomatoes out of a garden or a handshake at the end of a worship service with a $20 bill in it. Every time, without fail, no matter the size of the gift or the person offing it, you MUST write out a thank you card. Some will not care if you do, but for others it will be a telling blow about your character if you don't, and may be used to describe you in the heat of the moment. "Well, I've not found the Pastor or his wife to be particularly grateful." Perception is truth, so make sure you are perceived as being grateful -every time.
3. Find out who is related to whom as soon as possible. This can save you untold embarrassment and possible unforgivable missteps. If you can't understand why this is important, you a in the wrong job.
4. Build relationships first, getting to know people and the history of the church BEFORE attempting to change very much. Again, this will save you embarrassment and missteps which may be greater than your ability to survive.
More to follow
4. Build relationships first, getting to know people and the history of the church BEFORE attempting to change very much. Again, this will save you embarrassment and missteps which may be greater than your ability to survive.
More to follow
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