Communication
I learned something very interesting in a communication class last fall. The Latin root for both the words communication and community is communis- to make common, to have a common faith, or to experience together. Communication is literally the art of making a message common, or shared. Of sharing what you believe to be true. It’s also integral in community. Without communication, community can’t exist. The two are nearly synonymous.
So I decided to do a little research. For those of you who don’t know, I’m currently a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University double majoring in Christian Education and Public Relations. I visited IWU’s online catalog and looked at the bachelor’s programs offered by the School of Theology and Ministry. Of the 12 ministry-related majors IWU offers, none of them include any communication-related classes.
I’m sure it’s the same at other Christian universities as well. We have devalued what good communication means to community-building, which is sad. Our goal and passion as the church is to build the community that is the church as well as the community around the church. Without communication, we can’t do either. I wonder at times how the effectiveness of the church would differ if we would learn to communicate effectively in a Christ-centered manner.
What does your church do to train its leaders in communication? Have you taken any courses or learned anything at a conference about ministry communication that you found especially helpful? Do you think I’m totally off base with this whole “communication is vital to community” thing? Talk to me in the comments.
I agree completely. Churches need help in the areas of communication. I did have one class in my master's class that focused on pastoral care – it was really a class on interpersonal communication and I am sad to say, most of the class (many of whom were planning on being pastors some day) seemed to think it was a waste of time. How we communicate is important and I don't think there is enough information out there. I now work with a missions organization and there seem to be more resources for them.
I agree. I majored in Church Leadership and the only communication class required was the GE class. I had a core class on preaching, but there wasn't any class on communication regarding the ministry and it's much needed! Communication is vital. I haven't found any ministry communication classes or conferences. I resorted to taking a class called small group communication in a community college.