Christian Perspectives: Effective communication

April 9, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Kathleen Mills

Crossroads Community Church

Effective Communication: where has it gone?

Effective communication is defined as verbal speech or other methods of relaying information that get a point across.

An example of effective communication is when you talk in clear and simple terms.

Another example of effective communication is when the person who you are talking to listens actively, absorbs your point and understands it.

Communication has a purpose, an effective purpose. It can be life changing. Have we forgotten, or just chosen to recreate our communication skills?

Not that long ago, communication meant more then what it means today. Communication was effective, personal, and paved the way.

As Christians our communicator is God.

We are able to receive instruction, guidance and purpose from God. At some point, that has become a conversation we rarely have. We seem to turn to computers, cell phones, and television.

We look for quick answers and fast information.

The internet has so much to offer. We can find, at the push of a button, answers to any question. Now texting: here we have interpersonal relationships with technology. Facebook? Wow, I have so many friends, get 100 hits on my posts, and receive tons of emails even from places and people I have never seen.

I can’t tell you how many times texting communication has been misinterpreted.

The spoken word is fading and, in its place, is separation and withdrawal from person to person communication.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I enjoy technology and it amazes me of all that it can do, but what is important here is to remember that technology is secondary to the Great Commission.

Jesus spoke into the disciples daily. Clearly and with effectiveness.

Which brings me to the Great Commission.

Church communication that fully understands the Great Commission, and fulfills it, understands the Commission, which strives to change the destinies of eternal souls.

The Great Commission consist of the last words Jesus spoke to his followers.

Matthew 28:18-20

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always; to the very end of the age.

Let’s summarize the Great Commission by applying it to the church and in the way we communicate. Effective Church Communication can be accomplished with two purposes.

The first is to help people come to know Jesus as Savior, and the other to help people become mature disciples of Jesus.

Or what if we say that our communication is effective if it is enabling people to get closer to Jesus and if it is enabling people to become more like Jesus?

We must always do the best we can do with the gifts that have been given to us.

I believe that this is pleasing to the Lord when we use the skills and talents He has given.

Our walk with the Lord is a daily learning experience.

So, no matter where we are on this road of communication, it is only by the grace of God that we are able to accomplish the Great Commission of effective communication.

God and only God brought people to himself and He grew them to Christian maturity long before the computer, web and cell phone were created.

Yes, we have extraordinary tools. They should be used as best we can with thanks for them, remembering that their wide volume of knowledge is not the essential requirement for effective communication.

The most essential thing for Christian communicators is that they want to share the words of eternal life, have a full understanding of what these words the Jesus spoke of eternal life, have a closer walk with the Lord, be committed to Him, obey Him, and with that obedience fully fill the Effective Great Commission.

Communicate eternal life.