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4 responses to “People Skills – Pastor Bob Shelton (Episode 8)”

1. 

   Joshua Smith

   March 14, 2026

   “We look at screens so much instead of looking at people’s eyes… everything flows on relationships.”

   I appreciated this honest take from Bob Shelton. I honestly have enjoyed less and less the screen and really am wanting more and more of people time.

   Churches must call families to healthy habits around phones, parents must set the pace around the dinner table and be an example for their kids.

   We have to get away from being accessible 24/7. Remember our first work: we are spiritual people. It’s not to solve every problem. Sounds like Bob and shared this from lots of his own experience.

   Number one people skill: listening. I truly think my problem with this is that I am not around people enough. Why do I feel that? Perhaps distance from ministry location, studies that are just online, a church that is not rooted in a location. Maybe I can make room for more people time and listening but it is hard without making a big change of house or career even.

   I enjoy how Bob values relational connection. This is one of my favorite aspects, that he intentionally tries to communicate he is glad people are around.

   Bobs answer to polarization was great. Especially when he talked about his Bow Valley experience. Steady hand and point people to Jesus. Appreciate how frank he was with that.

   Then his thoughts about passion, made me want to direct my passion in a way that drives people to Jesus.

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2. 

   Han Yoon

   March 15, 2026

   I am truly grateful to Pastor Bob Shelton and Dr. Piva for sharing such insightful content through today’s podcast.

   First off, I really resonated with the part about the impact of digital devices. In today’s world, social media and smartphones have brought us convenience and information, but at the cost of declining interpersonal skills. It’s also true that many people end up feeling depressed or inadequate just by looking at the perfectly happy lives others post on social media. I was also surprised to learn that words only account for about 10% of the essence of communication. This podcast reminded me once again why I need to keep trying at ‘smartphone-detoxing’ something I’ve been struggling with lately and I’ve realized I need to set firm boundaries even with my phone.

   When Pastor Bob spoke about the core skills needed for a pastor, I felt that listening is absolutely vital. I still vividly remember a pastor from my elementary school days. More than anything else, he truly understood, listened to, and empathized with the struggles of a young student. I gained so much strength from him, and he remains in my memory to this day. Following the empathetic listening my father has taught me since I was young, I want to become a pastor who truly listens and empathizes with others. I believe that when we listen like that, it naturally gives people a sense of value and respect.

   Regarding the ‘Western vs. Eastern Shepherd’ models, while I believe every pastor has their own style, I felt strongly that I want to be a leader who leads from the front by example. Growing up, the pastors I respected most were always the ones who led by showing, not just telling. I remember a chaplain from my military service who managed so many soldiers, yet remembered every single one of us and cared for us like his own children. He was a true example for me.

   Finally, what was said about ‘burnout prevention and rhythm’ really made me reflect on my own ministry direction, spiritual disciplines, and how to set healthy boundaries. Thank you once again for such a wonderful podcast.

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3. 

   eyuzwa

   March 15, 2026

   Thank you Pastor Bob and Dr. Piva!

   I really appreciated hearing this interview with reflections on trying to communicate in this (mostly) digital world. I think most Pastors are trying to figure out how to adapt, but also to really cut through the noise and serve their flock. As Pastor Bob mentioned, only 10% of communication is verbal, so this is a warning and reminder that a Pastor will need to find some kind of balance between serving from behind a keyboard, and serving in-person. Rejecting ALL digital communication for just strict in-person, is probably not going to help you help your flock as best you can, but neither is the other extreme of ALL digital and no in-person.

   Some recent assigned readings in our class had a small bio of Pastor Ric Warren who was “there” during the explosion of the internet and email mailing lists, and used them to explosively grow (and serve) the church.

   It reminds me that there needs to be this focus on really trying to know your flock and seeing what your people will respond to. Some relationships will flourish with more digital involvement, but others will likewise flourish with more personal contact.

   Trying to stay “updated” on the lingo the youth are using today is TOUGH — but probably no more tough than when my parents tried to understand me during my youth years.

   I try to keep updated with my daughter without (hopefully) sounding like I grew up during the horse and buggy days. But at the same time, I think a lot of youth are hungry to hear the truth within God’s Word, and learning to understand what the Gospel of Jesus means and how it applies to them.

   My daughter would sit still for solid, honest teaching but would reject it if the Pastor (or Youth leader) tries to sound “hip with the kids” and use modern vernacular. Too many people in Youth today I feel go to that extreme where they “modernize” the Gospel with so much new lingo, that it totally cheapens it.

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4. 

   Gene

   March 15, 2026

   Great podcast on people skills in ministry! I enjoyed Ps. Bob’s take on boundaries and bridges with people. For me, the tension between the two has been the most difficult aspect about ministry. I mean, we are called to lead people but how can we do so if there are no deep relationship, trust, and commitment? What do I do when people try to persuade me into taking sides?

               From the podcast, I learned an area I can work on for people skills is to be a better listener. I like it how Ps. Bob reminds us that we don’t listen just for the sake of listening, but to ask the right questions to connect better with people and for them to connect with God. I tend to talk more or want to fix people’s problems by giving solutions. But by listening and probing for big picture questions, I think it will help me surrender things to God instead of me trying to solve everything, as well as build bridges with people.

               The second area is resilience. Ps. Bob stayed committed to his call to hold the helm and lead others to Jesus. His example provokes me to be firm in answering those who want me to follow another agenda. Since my other tendency is avoiding conflict, I must reshape my thinking and speak out when I need to.

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