Tom Nelson and David Greusel: Q & A – Being Conversant vs. Being Fluent

Tom Nelson, senior pastor of Christ Community in Kansas City, discusses the challenge in shepherding people about various vocational fields. He points to the difference in being conversant rather than fluent; pastors might not be experts in a variety of fields – e.g. medicine, law, architecture – but they can engage the people in their church by asking questions related to the work environment: What are some dilemmas you're currently facing? Would you walk me through what a typical day looks like for you? How have you dealt with disappointment in your work life? On what projects are you currently working? These kinds of shepherding questions, along with a good dose of humility and curiosity, help church leaders connect with laypeople in a meaningful way.