Clarity and Kindness: Effective Communication in Congregations
By Rev. Josh Blake
Have you ever said something and wondered if it was understood, or if it was communicated clearly enough? If “clarity is kindness,” how come it can be such a struggle at times? Though all communicators deal with these questions, it is one that all pastors and lay leaders must prioritize and reflect on. With how many people pastors communicate to on a daily basis, and the time needed to hear from God on the words He wants spoken, time is not generous for communication clarifications. Poor communication leads to many challenges so thankfully, Janelle Vernon has some experienced and practical advice to give.
Janelle Vernon was elected in 2016 by The Wesleyan Church (TWC) General Conference to serve as executive director of the TWC Communication and Administration Division. She has worked in private business, state government, Christian higher education, and denominational settings. Her last three settings have included public relations, publications, crisis communication, marketing, and much more. Her love for communication stems from her desire to see people honor, respect, and engage each other as God designed.
According to Vernon, effective communication has more to do with the pastor’s understanding of their congregation than the craftiness of their words. “I have watched pastors speak in vernaculars that were so academically above the congregation that the congregation couldn’t understand what was being said, felt demeaned and stopped listening. I’ve also seen the opposite happen with similar results. The congregation wasn’t stimulated academically and stopped listening.” When pastors and lay leaders intentionally make time to learn about the people they are speaking to, their words can have a much larger impact. People are no longer hearing the words, but engaging with them as well.
Even with the rising use of technology in sermons and teaching, Vernon has seen that these newer methods are only as good as the congregation’s ability to understand them. If the people are disinterested in the subject or are distracted by the newness of the technology, the message loses its power. “And, while God’s Word never returns void, pastors and lay leaders can minister more successfully when communicating in ways that directly connect with the individual(s) they seek to reach,” states Vernon.
So if knowing the congregation is the primary factor in effective communication, how can pastors grow in this skill? Vernon recommends identifying each group in the congregation, and learning from representatives in those groups to better understand their interests and desires. When taking time to listen and intentionally converse with them, she suggests asking these specific questions prior to speaking: What questions are being asked? How are they being asked? And what can you learn about the other person(s) that teaches you how to better or best communicate with them? This may involve asking other members on staff or the board to help answer these questions. These answers then give pastors a glimpse into the needs of their people, while also determining any areas of disconnection and unclarity.
Another benefit of learning about one’s congregation is that it shows a genuine interest and care. Vernon believes that when the congregation senses the desire and openness of their leaders, they are increasingly more willing to accept and engage with what the pastor or leader has to say. Jesus’ messages were not always understood by the disciples in the moment, but they could always sense His love and desire for them to know the Father. It was His genuine intentionality and care that drew them near. His message stayed the same, but as their eyes were opened, He made it clear to them. Similarly, the mission of pastors and lay leaders is to draw people in by the love of Christ, so that as they hear the good news, their eyes can be opened to His Word.
Pastors and lay leaders have the opportunity and responsibility to share God’s Word with His people. Their effectiveness is not based on their speaking abilities, their technological savviness, nor their amazing intellect. Instead, as Janelle Vernon has pointed out, it is dependent on the heart and desire of the communicator to know the people in front of them.
