The Way of the Question: Church Staff Community

What Jesus Teaches Us About Staff Communication

Jesus was the most compelling communicator who ever walked the earth. He could have simply delivered instructions and commands—and people would’ve listened. But so often,

He chose to ask questions instead.

More than 300 times in the Gospels, Jesus asked questions—not because He needed answers, but because He wanted to engage hearts, reveal motives, and invite deeper reflection.

As worship and music leaders, many of our most important conversations don’t happen on the platform—they happen around a staff table, in a hallway, or in one-on-one meetings with other ministry leaders. How we communicate with fellow staff members, including our senior pastor, can either build trust and alignment—or create tension and misunderstanding.

That’s where the way of Jesus comes in.

Why Did Jesus Use Questions?

Because questions slow things down. They shift the tone from “Here’s what I think” to “Let’s explore this together.”

They disarm. They clarify. They invite collaboration.

Applying This to Church Staff Communication

Here are a few ways we can follow Jesus' example in how we speak with our fellow leaders:

1. Ask Before Assuming

Instead of assuming what your pastor or teammate wants, try:

• “How do you see this service supporting your message?”

• “What’s your biggest hope for this Sunday?”

• “What does success look like to you for this event?”

Asking first shows humility—and it builds alignment.

2. Use Questions to Navigate Tension

When there’s a disagreement or miscommunication, lead with curiosity instead of criticism:

• “Help me understand what your concern is here.”

• “What’s most important to you in this situation?”

• “Can you walk me through what you’re thinking?”

Jesus used questions to invite people closer, not to push them away. We can do the same.

3. Use Questions to Encourage Collaboration

Instead of presenting your ideas as a fixed plan, invite others in:

• “What do you think would serve the congregation best in this moment?”

• “How can our music support the mission of this series?”

• “Are there other ideas we haven’t thought of yet?”

Questions turn conversations into partnerships.

4. Ask Questions of Yourself, Too

Jesus asked His disciples reflective questions like:

• “Why are you afraid?”

• “Do you love me?”

• “What do you want me to do for you?”

As leaders, we need to pause and ask ourselves:

• “Am I listening as much as I’m speaking?”

• “Am I building bridges or putting up walls?”

• “Am I leading out of pride or humility?”

Self-awareness always starts with good questions.

Final Thought

In a church staff setting, good communication isn’t just about being articulate—it’s about being humble, curious, and collaborative.

Jesus didn’t just share truth—He invited people into it.

If we want to build healthy, unified leadership teams, let’s not rush to give answers. Let’s lead like Jesus did—with wisdom, grace, and the kind of questions that make people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Ministry Staff Workshops

Invite Rhon to Help Your Team Discover What’s Driving Their Leadership.
What if one simple question shaped everything—how you lead, how you love, how you serve? Whether you're looking to grow as a minister, a spouse, or a leader, discovering your Primal Question can unlock clarity, connection, and purpose.
Want to communicate with greater impact? Build a culture that inspires lasting change? It all starts with one powerful question. Invite Rhon to guide your team on a transformational journey—discover the Primal Question today.