8.1 Key themes⤒🔗

• Communication is a big part of a Christian leader’s life.
• To be a wise communicator, a Christian leader should:
  1. bring a wise message
  - (a true message,
  - a well-suited message, and
  - a message that uses the right method),
  2. bring his message in a wise way, and
  3. be a wise listener.

8.2 Selected verses from Proverbs←⤒🔗

^10:19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.

^11:13 The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

^12:18 Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.

^12:22 The LORD abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.

^13:3 The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is talkative will come to ruin.

^13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

^15:1 A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

^15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.

^16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

^18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens –  that is his folly and his shame.

^27:14 If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.

© NET Bible

8.3 A Christian leader is a communicator←⤒🔗

Christian leaders (especially pastors) are communicators. Their task is to communicate the Word of God to others – whether by preaching, counselling, writing, or evangelising. They also have to phone people, make arrangements, lead meetings, and write letters. Yes, communication is a big part of a Christian leader’s life. That is why it is so important that he will be a wise communicator.

8.4 A wise message←⤒🔗

To be a wise communicator, your message must be wise. Those who must speak God’s Word will be judged more strictly than others (James 3:1). Therefore, you should always think before you speak.

Whether you are preaching, leading a Bible study, visiting a sick person, or writing a report, think carefully about the message that you bring. And if you do not know what to say, rather be quiet! It is better to say nothing, than to sin with your words (Proverbs 10:19).

A wise message is a message that is completely true.  We read in Proverbs 12:22 that: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.”

But a wise message is also a message that is well-suited. This means that the message must be the right message for that specific time, place, and person. Proverbs 27:14 warns us: “If a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse”! 

Lastly, a wise message is a message that is communicated with the right method.

There are many methods of communication: phone calls, text messages, private conversations, public speeches, letters, and more. Certain messages need certain methods. For example, if you have to speak to someone about a difficult matter, you should not do it with a text message. Rather speak to the person face to face, or make a phone call.

8.5 A wise way of bringing the message←⤒🔗

A Christian leader should also be wise in the way that he brings his message. Here are some helpful questions that you can ask yourself:

Is my message clear and understandable? Or is it too long and difficult to follow?

What is the purpose of the message? For example, if you want to comfort a sick person, make sure that this person has time and strength to hear your message. Otherwise, you will only make him tired and you will not achieve your purpose.

What will the other person think or feel, when he hears this message? Try to stand in the shoes of the other person. Ask yourself: If I were this person, how would I react to this message?

Do you need to ask for some advice first? Sometimes a church leader has a difficult message to give. Perhaps he must tell the church about a big problem. Or he must speak to someone who is angry with him. Then it can help him to ask another church leader (or another wise person) for advice.

What is the motive behind this message? Always ask yourself: Why am I writing this or saying this? Is it out of love for God and for the other person? Or do I want glory for myself?

Did people understand the message? Make sure that your listeners truly understood your message. One way in which you can do this, is by asking some questions afterwards.

8.6 Wise listening←⤒🔗

Listening is a big part of communication. Many Christian leaders like to speak, but don’t like to listen. This is very foolish. Think again of Proverbs 18:13: “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.”

To be a wise listener, you should:

Listen carefully. If someone is speaking to you, do not think of other things. Give your full attention to that person.

Listen patiently. If a person speaks slowly, do not start speaking yourself. Make sure the person gets to say everything that he (or she) wants to say.

Listen lovingly. When people see that you truly listen to them, they know that you love them. Then they will also be more willing to listen to you.

Listen graciously. Some people may find it difficult to speak well. They may be very shy. Or they may be ashamed of the things they are telling you. Show to these people that what they are saying is important to you. Do not ignore some people and only listen to others. Think of God, who listens to the prayers of all of his children – even to yours!

Listen actively. For example, you can say something now and then (for example, “I understand what you mean” or “I am thankful you are telling me about this”). Ask questions to make sure that you understand.

Listen with your whole body. Look at the person who is speaking. Turn your body towards that person.  Your face and your body are an important part of your communication.

Wise listening does not come by itself. It is something that every Christian leader needs to practise. In this way he will follow the example of Jesus Christ, who listened to everyone: rich and poor, healthy and sick, men and women, young and old.