With all the new means of communicating that has permeated our culture the concept of communication itself has become the focus of my thoughts. Most new technological gadgets are just new means of communicating. It’s what we are called to do. The Great Commission is to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel…” (Mark 16:15) That can only be done through communication. Those of us who sat through Mass Comm. 101 learned about the definition of communication.
From Merriam-Webster:
a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.
I remember being taught that true communication does not occur when the transmission is made, but only after the recipient receives AND understands the information. But we can not simply stop there. It’s not as simple as just understanding the definition of communication.
To reach the lost or disciple the saved by any means of technology we have to seek a broader understanding of what it is we really seek. We do not seek to merely communicate, we seek
change. We don’t just want to tell the Gospel, we want to change lives. But I think we are taking a path of “higher” technology thinking it will lead to this mass change in our society. What is that path to real change? Communication is only one step. Let’s follow our Leader.
Jesus obviously knew how to get a point across. But in order to do that, he did something that very few “communicators” do in the church world. He
captivated his audience. Before you can engage in real communication your audience has to be interested in listening. They don’t even have to care what truth you are attempting to sell… they just have to be captivated. Ever heard of a “
narrative hook”?
When we read in the Bible where Jesus is engaging an audience, we don’t really get a sense of His delivery. But, I would bet that each receptive heart was on the edge of their seat waiting to hear the next word. This captivation allowed him to have uninterrupted communication. The fact is Jesus told stories. This was his chosen method of communicating. He didn’t do interpretive dance or felt-art. He chose a method that he knew would be effective to his audience. He pulled heart-strings with the prodigal son. He used laughter with a plank-in-the-eye illustration; intrigue and controversy with the Good Samaritan. Like Him or hate Him, He had their attention… and kept it. Once you have then in your grasp, you have an avenue of persuasion.
Persuasion is one synonym for the next step in the process, INFLUENCE. Good communication leads to influence, or the unrestricted access to a person’s thought process. One needs to look no further than the influence of music. Girls never fainted listening to Mozart… but when Elvis hit the scene it turned our ship 10 degrees starboard as a society. Oprah has more influence than most major denominations. But let’s look at the ultimate Communicator. The power of His communication - His stories and teachings - is what influenced His audience to the point of decision. Throughout history we see great communicators wielding a tremendous level of influence over people. Your local Nazi or a drug dealer-turned-pastor are good examples. Through influence (good or bad) these people have made a huge mental decision.
Making this mental decision is small but vital link in the chain from captivation to change. Once people make a decision to accept a particular teaching as truth (right or wrong), it is only then you will see their life or lifestyle make a change for good or bad.
And there it is… isn’t it? We want people, our society, our world to change.
After captivating His audience, Jesus was able to communicate His Gospel, which effectively influenced people to make decisions in their hearts that brought about real change.
Captivate
Communicate
Influence
Decision
Change
