The essential interview mindset

It’s not unusual that an element of a church service will involve an interview, be it with an invited guest or a member of the congregation.

Most times, it is a refreshing change from the regular church service format.

But, the church interview must come with a few m generally understood, disclaimers.

1 - You’re only getting a part of the story. Be it a snippet of a wider series of events or the slant which the interviewer wants to investigate.

2 - You’re only getting a few minutes. Tying closely with my first point, there will be more story for the speaker to tell. You’re only getting a taste.

3 - You’re only getting one side. It should be obvious, but you’re Primarily getting the point-of-view of the interviewee.

4 - The story isn’t finished yet. No matter where the one holding the microphone is on their journey of life and faith, it is still ongoing. 

5 - The speaker may still be working everything out. Depending on the proximity of the event being discussed, the speaker may be still processing what has occurred.

6 - You’re not getting a complete theology of the interviewee. They are there for a purpose, and open unpacking of their systematic theology isn’t it. We should never expect one nor walk away thinking that we’ve heard one.

7 - Finally, an interview is vastly different from a book. The later is throughly prepared. Each chapter, paragraph, phrase and word can be scrutinised over. A interview, is off-the-cuff. It is impromptu. 

So… while interviews are excellent, everyone should go in with their eyes and ears open to avoid disappointment and misunderstanding.