Call Me Back Youth Pastor
Returning Phone Calls IS Important
We all know in theory how this works-
Someone calls you and leaves a message… then you call them back.
Unfortunately, theory & practice are often at odds.
Why Don’t we call back?
-Well, maybe we listen to the message, and then forget to return it. Guilty!
-Maybe we don’t want to deal with a situation so we delay it. True!
-Maybe the person who left us a message just isn’t important enough to call back. Ouch!
As Youth Pastors, we represent Christ to this next generation.
So what does it say to somebody (parent or student) when we don’t call them back? I think it sets the wrong example and we start to loose credibility.
What about calling back fellow ministers?
Churches are notoriously bad at getting back to each other.
Why don’t we call each other back?
-It’s not our theory which says:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Gal. 6:10
-It’s our practice which seems to say, “Oh he’s a Pastor. He’s saved. I’ve got other things to do. Delete.”
Practically speaking, I know returning phone calls can be difficult, but not only is it the professional thing to do; it’s also the right thing to do.
“…For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” Luke 16:8
In the business world, they respond promptly to customers because they know that future business depends on it. What more reason do we need to respond than that future eternities could be at stake?
What if your CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY FOR THE TELEPHONE was-
“All telephone calls will be answered quickly and considerately.”
As youth leaders, we need to take pride in providing effective follow through and earning people’s trust by calling them back.
Why is returning phone calls important?
1. Because We represent Christ-
“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” -2 Cor. 5:20a
2. The Golden Rule-
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” –Matt. 7:12
3. We need to set the right example-
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” -1 Tim. 4:12
4. We have a Mission-
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”- Matt. 28:19-20
Practical Steps to improve:
-You may be on vacation, so adjust your office message & voicemail, & include an out of office assistant on your emails to let people know that you aren’t in the office, but will get back to them asap.
-If you’re not on vacation, and someone contacts you, you have up to 2 days to call them back otherwise it’s just rude. If you don’t have time to call back, then have a secretary (or helper) call them for you (use with discretion).
-Try to Find Solutions for Mistakes.
Example 1: I’ve had “call back” notes get lost or forgotten.
Now, I try to take care of things right away. I write myself “call back” notes if, or Phone Reminders if I can’t do it at that moment.
Example 2:I’ve opened emails and had them kind of disappear into the rest of my inbox only to discover them later. Whoops!
I’ve started tagging the emails with Follow Up Flags that will remind me at the appropriate time.
Example 3: We will all probably make some communication mistakes this year, but let’s hope it’s the exception not the rule.
Challenge:
Let’s make it easy for people to contact us. Let’s earn their trust and add value to them by returning phone calls and emails as promptly as possible. Let’s be willing to do the difficult tasks required to set the right example and fulfill the mission.
“Successful people do what unsuccessful people don’t want to do.” John Maxwell
Call People Back.
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