Get to Know Your Church! And Let them Get to Know You!

In week one of this series we defined the word pastor as a shepherd – one who cares for the flock. In week two we talked about the first step toward caring for your church: loving them well through prayer. Today, we’ll keep moving in the same direction with a thought that may seem obvious, but I really encourage you to consider how well you’re actually doing it. Here’s today’s thought: Get to know your church! And let them get to know you!

Think about it. How well do you know your church? How well do you know your flock? If your job is to care for your people and to do that you have to pray for them well, then you need to know what to pray for! It’s hard to minister to folks if you don’t know what’s happening in their lives! Here are 3 ways to get to know your people:

1.    Join a Small Group

Small groups are a great place to connect with your church. In a small group you find out who people really are, what they really think, and what they’re really going through. You get the real version of them, not the Sunday morning version. If you really want to get to know people, join a group! 

2.    One on One Meetings

Spend some time with folks in your church one on one. Invite them to coffee or lunch. My friend Simon does this every week! He told me once if he’s not meeting with someone new at least once a week, then he’s not doing his job well. One on one meetings give you a chance to get to know people AND a chance for them to get to know you! That’s important! When people get to know you, it makes you easier to follow. 

3.    Hang Out in the Lobby

This one can be hard. Especially if you’re in a pop-up campus like my church is. You’ll want to rush to tear down your stuff after service, and maybe you need to because of a time crunch, but I’d encourage you to spend even just 5 minutes in the lobby shaking hands with people. The lobby is an easy place to say hello to people you haven’t seen in a while, greet new guests, and really just have your face seen somewhere other than the stage. 

People want to be known! They need to be. I believe part of our job as pastors, as caregivers of the flock, is to show people that they are known and loved! My challenge to you today is to do one of the things above THIS WEEK – stand in the lobby and greet people, invite someone to coffee, or attend a small group.

Want more ideas like this? Check out our free training, Build Influence Today! It’s packed full of easy ways connect with people and build influence!