It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer , it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB)

I had a successful Army career. There were times I was exceptional, there were times I was ranked among the best of my peers, but overall I was successful. I was always promoted with my peers, reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served 21 years, and retired honorably. I was also well-liked by my superiors, peers, and subordinates for the bulk of my military service. Most of all, I was known as someone that would get things done, an important trait in the military where your mission was your priority. I was a task oriented officer.

I took that same task-orientation with me to my next supervisory job after the military. It is something that differentiates me from my current supervisor. During a recent conversation he freely admitted he was a “people person” and that is what had gotten him to the position he is in today. He also freely admitted he struggles with being driven by tasks and a calendar, which is exactly the opposite of me. Later I reflected on the conversation and what it said about me as a shepherd for a congregation of God’s people.

A quick review of an elder’s character in 1 Timothy and Titus reveals what God is looking for is a relational shepherd (this is where you state the proverbial “duh”). While I don’t believe either of these passages is the complete picture of a shepherd, they are definitely a good summation and good start point. So what is the implication for someone like me that is task oriented?

First, I don’t believe it is an either/or situation when considering if you are task or people oriented. It is more a matter of what is your default. I serve with three other elders and two ministers. One elder is definitely people oriented, two of us are more task oriented, and one is the most balanced with both skill sets. Likewise, one of our ministers is mostly task oriented while the other is definitely a people person. Of course all of us are more complex, but again I am addressing our defaults. My default is always the task – what process needs started, what problem needs solved, what document needs written, etc. That is not to say I do not have the ability to show the love, compassion, empathy, sympathy, affirmation, grace, forgiveness, and other feelings toward others. It is to say that I have to work on being a “people person”. In other words, it does not come naturally to me.

So what is a shepherd that is task oriented to do about becoming more people oriented, or vice-versa?

First, pray about it. The Bible is full of examples of people allowing God to work in them to make them into so much more than they started. God can do the same for you.

Second, if you are task oriented then us it as a skill to help you improve your people orientation. If you are driven by the calendar, to-do lists, and other task oriented tools then use them to schedule time with people. For example, my work schedule has changed and I now work during the evenings into late at night. So that frees my mornings to schedule coffee, brunch, or lunch dates with those I want or need to spend time with so we can improve our relationships, our skills, and our ministries. Be sure to schedule time with someone that is people oriented, for by talking with them and watching them you can’t help but improve your people skills if you really want to do so.

Third, if you are people oriented then find someone task oriented to hold you accountable for completing tasks. Odds are you won’t want to disappoint them, so ask them to help you keep your schedule and ask them to remind you to do your part in whatever group task that needs accomplishing. Since they are task oriented there is a good chance they will schedule a time to follow-up with your accountability. This way each one of you is getting to exercise your strengths to make the other one better (talk about a win-win for both of you!).

Well, now that I have completed my task of resuming writing my blog, I hope it helps in some small way to help you become a better shepherd and to complete the “task” you so earnestly desired.

May your blessings exceed mine today and every day.

-DEM