As you continue to explore how your personality contributes to your SHAPE for ministry, consider how you communicate with others. Psychologists tell us that most people generally communicate either informatively or directively. That is, they tend to communicate information about something, or they tend to give others instructions to follow.
Consider this hypothetical scenario. Two church members--one informative, the other directive--call the pastor on his birthday. The informative member says, "Bro. Clay, I know that you are getting along in years, but I've been hoping that you'll have the best birthday that a man of your age can have." Notice how all the statements are about the pastors birthday and about the caller's hope that he will enjoy it. On the other hand, when the directive member calls, she says, "Bro. Clay, stop whining about how old you are. You must accept old age with dignity. Now, go out there and have a great birthday." All of the statements are directions for the pastor to follow.
This contrast is also seen in the lives of two Bible characters, Moses and Joshua. Both men were similarly strong and effective leaders, but we observe a difference in their communication styles. Moses was the shepherd who became Israel's leader and lawgiver. He tended to inform people about what God said or what the situation warranted. Here's an example:
Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert' " (Exodus 5:1 NIV). On the other hand, Joshua, Moses' successor, was no less in tune with God's plan, but he tends to communicate directively:
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own' " (Joshua 1:10-11 NIV).
Remember that your communication style is no excuse for unkind words or attitudes. The Bible says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace" (Colossians 4:6 NIV). Informers and Directors can both be kind and compassionate, just like they can both be strong leaders. Their unique communication styles help define their SHAPE and make both equally useful to God.
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Today's Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for this opportunity to communicate with you. When I communicate with other people today, let my conversations be controlled by your Spirit. I recognize that you made me unique in the way that I communicate; nevertheless, let my words be useful and glorifying to you.
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Follow these instructions to complete your personality test:
- Register with your name and email. Your information remains confidential.
- Answer
the series of questions. If you don't understand a question, just
choose between the two options and move on to the next one.
- Submit your answers and instantly receive your results.
- Look for the email link on the results page. Email your report to pam@fbcmarionark.org.
- Your personality will be added to your SHAPE profile.
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started in understanding your personality.
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Elizabeth Barnett is a state-licensed counselor for children, teens, individual adults, couples, and families. She helps people in all kinds of situations through confidential sessions at the First Baptist Church Counseling Center.
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