A Few Notes to My Repairman

The last few weeks we’ve been getting a few things repaired around the house. Stuff beyond my level of “expertise” (Note: my level os “expertise” is typical depleted at about light bulb changing). Through the years we’ve had a few repair, replace, or restore works done in the various houses we’ve lived in. I am not sure why, but it seems (and I know I’m stereotyping) guys in this field rarely show up when they say they will and they don’t communicate well. I’d love to take a guy aside who was young and tell him - I can make you very wealthy! Just a few little things: show up, call if you are going to be late, let the customer know if it is going to cost more than you thought, estimate high and charge low, be nice, expand your trade, find guys who do great work and follow them, watch videos to figure out how to do what you don’t know or to learn how to make your “finish” classy or different, or better than others, and don’t leave a mess when you are done. You’ll have people begging for your service. And, one more thing, don’t quit midway through a project. But I don’t train plumbers, painters, or repair men. 

I deal with ministers. Would you hear me out? I can tell you are few things that will help you influence more people than you ever dreamt: Learn to really listen to others (their hurts, their concerns, their complaints, their needs, their story), return phone calls, make family connections (know kids names), expand your “types/styles” of preaching, make eye contact when you are preaching, find gous who do great work and figure out what they do well, keep growing (don’t just do what you do one way your whole ministry), preach Good News about Jesus, watch videos to figure out how to do what you don’t know or tolerant how to add “finish” that will engage the listener, express your care for others, and don’t leave a mess when you leave. You’ll have people begging to hear what you need to tell them from God’s Word and you’ll influence more people for Him. 

Oh, and one more thing, this is long work - don’t quit midway through.