We’re All Ears Interview Series: Sharing Our Message With Wisdom With Michael Hidalgo

Wisdom As We Share Our Message

Michael Hidalgo is a pastor, author, podcaster, parent, and husband.  He currently is one of the pastors at Denver Community Church.  Michael has built an online platform over the years in various ways, many of which, as a pastor, have been very natural.  I know you’ll learn a lot from this interview with Michael to help you share your own message with the world.  

Golden Nuggets From Our Conversation:

Is this message something that is shaping me or changing me?  Is this something that is keeping me awake at night?  Is it changing the way I live my life.  “Until I get to that place, I don’t say anything.”  Ask these questions before speaking up.  

The greatest threat to the community is not heresy, but hypocrisy.  Study in community!  

Nothing goes out the door without going past multiple individuals.  

“I believe we need more voices.”  

“I want to hear what people are talking about, so that when I’m speaking I can speak into the places they are and do so in a way where hopefully they can take the next step.” 

Dealing with Disagreement or Criticism:  

1. Recognize that we live in a time where there are a lot of haters out there.  You could go on Facebook and only post about rainbows and kittens, and someone who hates kittens will still be upset.  I stopped saying people are angry; I think people are lonely. 
2. I surround myself with people who love me enough to challenge me.  When we invite that into our lives, then when the criticism comes through, I can view it with perspective.
3. The mute button and block button are okay to use.  When people come after you and accusing you of your motives and calling you names, you don’t need to engage. Is this meant to help me and my work grow, or just to blow things up?  “Any criticism that is meant to assault your character is not worth listening to.” 

How do we get our message out in a wise and kind way?

1. Ask yourself, “are we handling this like adults?”  Telling people they are wrong and terrible is typically the wrong way to convince them.  
2. Ask questions or start conversations that get at the heart of the problem and allow both sides.  Can we all just admit that…”  “This is something I’m learning…”
3. “Facts don’t change minds.  Stories have the power to change.”  What stories do we have around our message?  It’s really difficult to argue with someone’s story.  
4. Be willing to listen in return.

How do we listen better?

1.  The world is lonely.  Be a gift to others by being present and listening to them.

2.  Weighing my words before I speak is all tied to how slow I am allowing myself to go.  Allow yourself time to have space to meditate, pray, and orient your day.  It sets up your whole day and whole week.  

“People can tell within 90 feet and within 90 seconds if you believe what you’re saying or not.”  If you’re not willing to die for what you’re saying, they’re done.  

Always ask yourself who the one individual is you are sharing this information with?  Write down a full biography of the person you are speaking to.  If you aim for everybody, you will speak to nobody.  If you aim for somebody, you will speak to everybody.  

Recommended Links:

Denver Community Church

The Changing Faith Podcast

Michael’s Books

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