As a Christian, I get that “It’s not about me” personally. But as a communications person, sometimes I forget that it’s not about my organization either.
If you’ve been following Christ even for a little while, you know that individually life is not about us. We are called to put God and others ahead of our own personal desires. But when it comes to communicating on behalf of our church, school, ministry or business, we often communicate in ways that purely promote the interests of our organization. This is especially true of churches.
You may be thinking, “What’s wrong with that?”
After all, church is not about us. It’s about proclaiming the gospel, discipling believers, being the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. But no matter how amazing and god-honoring your church is, remember that people are not called to serve the church, the church is called to serve people.
So, when you communicate…
Don’t just talk, listen.
Don’t just tell, ask.
Don’t just make pleas for people meet your needs. invite people to join you in a cause greater than themselves.
Instead of “We need volunteers for the work day,” try “Join us in helping to fix up our campus so it’s inviting to visitors.” Instead of “Please give so we can meet our fundraising goal,” try “Our mission is to provide an affordable Christian educations to as many children as possible. Your generous donation will help do that.” Instead of “Thus sayeth the Lord…” try “What did God impress on you when reading the bible this week?”
Is your communication more about promoting your own interests or serving the people you’re communicating with?
What if any changes do you want to make in the way you communicate?
8 Comments
Humble servants instead of Christian controllers.
Exactly!
Thanks cornelius:
Charity, love, agape is our greatest resource and is the bond of the "Body of Christ" but works done in ignorance and apathy are hay, wood and stubble.
Ephesians 4:11-32, 1Corinthians 13:1-13, 1Peter 3:15.
A friend, Ron
I recently spoke on this subject and totally agree that it's important to remember that Christians are called to serve! One way I try to serve others is by volunteering free service in Advertising and Marketing Christian ministries and independent Gospel artists! 1 Corinthians 9:23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. If I could be of any service for anyone in need of free advertising, please feel free to visit us at: http://www.devinejamz.net … God bless!
Great reminder! I try to always start my communications with "how can I help you" and have found that by helping others solve their problems, it takes me closer to fulfilling my call. When we focus on Him and what He is calling us to do, we can't help but communicate our intentions well. When the church meets the needs of their members, the members will in turn support the church. Churches wouldn't need to ask for more if they were more consistent with taking care of those who fund them!
Thanks for the reminder!
Hi My name is Motie Singh, I pastored a Small Congregation in Guyana South America, I find the same thing her, I agree its not about us its about Him, I will to find more effective ways to communicate and to let the world know what God is doing among us here in Guyana.
Thanks for commenting Motie! God bless you and your congregation as you work to better communicate Christ and what He is doing in your midst.
Great article! This is how you communicate with Gen X and Y. It's about involvement not authoritative.