As ministry overseers we are often quite adept at letting
the team members we lead know what we expect from them. But the very term “team” will be a misnomer
if we do not “mutually” understand.
Latinos are highly relational and will go to great lengths
to avoid conflict or confrontation. If a Latino coworker does not understand
some aspect of his/her work, no doubt a problem will arise. Why? The Latino’s
fear of a damaged relationship will often cause him to continue on, as is, with
a strong hope that “things will get better.”
He may or may not know “what” is wrong, but just senses something is not
right. Anglo overseers will often become
frustrated and question, “Why are those Latinos like that?” This is an excellent question—and one that
should be honestly answered.
The reality is that each cultural grouping will be guided by
its values. Decisions, plans and energy
will be attuned to try to achieve what is most valued. An example of this could be that an Anglo,
supervising church leader may wonder why the monthly statistical report for
attendance and offerings is not turned in very faithfully. How could something so simple and basic be
ignored and neglected by the Latino pastor?
As Anglos, we highly value organizational structures and systems. The feeling is that if everyone knows the
rules and plays by them, we will get along just fine. The reality is this: the concept of
structures, systems and rules seems quite abstract, and even cold and sterile
to the Latino pastor. What kind of
friendship comes from a spreadsheet? Is
it so important to record and report exactly how many people attended each service? The Latino is far more interested in the
actual interaction he has with those who attend. Is it quantity
that is so important to report? Or is the quality
of what we did together the more important element?
It’s a fact that both the systems and the people who are
guided by those systems are important.
They are interactive. As an example, the Anglo
overseer knows that come year’s end, next year’s budget will have to be created
around the statistical measurements of the current year. His sincere desire is to serve the Latino
congregation by supporting it within the larger context of all the affiliated
congregations, both Hispanic and all others.
But many times, in our rush to create a start-up ministry, we overlook
the importance of clearly communicating what we expect of those who serve on
our team. The Latino pastor needs to
understand “why” the overseer needs the statistical information, and for what
purpose it will be used. As he comes to
understand that it will be to his benefit to turn in the report, there will be
greater incentive to do so. Over time,
the practice will become part of his/her normal routine.
The Latino pastor must learn to ask the questions that he/she
wonders about (without fearing repercussions) and the Anglo overseer must take
the time necessary to be more relational in his/her response. Remember, the
time investment made by the Anglo overseer is a high-value interaction for the
Latino.
Communication is essential to any relationship. But we often forget to emphasize that clarity
in communication is a critical element, in order for the communication to be
effective. It is not enough to speak,
announce, transmit, email or write. It
is not enough to just say what you mean—the hearer must truly understand what
you mean (and value it) in order to have mutual understanding.
Communicate your expectations then have the listener repeat
them back to you. Clarify anything that
is not understood. Then have the other
party express his/her expectation. Do
this as many times as you need to, to make sure all is well understood by both
of you.
An upper-level area supervisor once told me, “I appointed
him (a Latino pastor) but I have never really had a meaningful conversation with him
because he only speaks Spanish.” In this
case, the language barrier made mutual understanding impossible. This is clearly a no-win situation. Do whatever is
necessary (have a capable translator) to make clear, two-way communication
happen. Then both of you will understand what is expected.
Until the next time,
Tom Hines
Hispanic Ministry Consulting
Global Partners
Hispanic Ministry Consulting
Global Partners