I spend a big part of my time in divinity school.  Not as a student, but as a guide.  I am someone who walks with students as they begin to think deeply and challenge themselves through theological reflections. I’m pretty lucky to hear the next bright leaders of the church share with passion their desire for the church and for God’s people and what they see missing. They are excited and ready to engage!

Ah, but there is a gap between what these rising ministers are ready to say and what the people of the church may be ready to hear!

Ministers must be able to translate!  We are challenged to speak the prophetic voice in a way that people can actually hear.  How difficult is it to translate?  If you can give yourself the space to do it, it’s not so hard.  Without the right space, it is almost impossible.

To create space, first, listen, listen, listen…then listen again.  Listen to the oral history of the church and their environment. Read everything you can get your hands on. Learn about the last pastor and stories of when and how the church was founded. Listen to stories about the exciting times they’ve experienced, and the horrors they’ve faced. Learn about the culture of the community around the church, how it has changed and what kinds of work people do everyday. 

As you listen, ask questions! What do these people need from me?  What word is God saying to them? What are they joyful about and what are they afraid will happen?

Then, continue to listen even more closely to yourself, to God and to the scriptures in light of what you have heard from the church, the community and the people. You are facilitating a conversation. Will your message make sense to them in their context?  Don’t be mistaken, I’m not writing about IQ…I’m writing about EQ (Emotional Intelligence)!  Emotional Intelligence is the great translator. To speak the language of the people, it is necessary to cue in on the emotional climate alongside the contextual environment. Make the relationship connection first.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take some risks and be ready to be wrong sometimes. If you have a connection, people are often forgiving. A very wise Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor once told me, “Melissa, people want to be heard. If you let them, they will give you multiple chances to ‘get it right’ but you have to be willing to engage the person and then ask for feedback.” 

Cultivate the earth and prepare it well before you plant the seeds . . . and then, they will be able to hear what you are saying.