Communicating in a Postmodern World
Communication is very important. I work very hard each week to prepare a message that speaks to the lives of the people who attend our ministry. I am trying to keep a grasp on how each generation learns. Usually preachers are generation preachers. They have the “model” of their generation and they learn from them and then sound like that. Or they are denominational preachers. Certain denominations have certain ways their preachers preach. Our denomination, The Pentecostal Holiness Church, has a way. I can tell the guys in their 50′s have a certain style.
We are in a postmodern era. Any good teacher is more concerned about how people learn rather than how they enjoy communcating. I see so many leaders who are inconsiderate of the culture, of different generations and how people learn. A great communicator is great at transition. Postmodern’s do not see things in black and white. They see things in gray. They want to be lead by questions, not given answers.
They want the message to be interrupted by a video or skit. They do not enjoy being preached at, rather they enjoy new concepts and being brought on a journey toward growth. Contrary to popular belief, this generation likes to be challenged. Also, use sermon series or campaigns and decorate your meeting place to reflect what you are teaching. Brand it, use logos and make your ministry time an experience.
Here are some basic points on communicating effectively across generations- 1) Use a powerful opening statement. 2) Preach one message, one theme, not 50 things. Clarify and focus on one concept they need to leave with. 3) Use powerful questions in your message that leave the people thinking. 4) ALWAYS share the history and background of the passage. Do not assume everyone knows the Bible or what you are talking about. 5) Don’t PUSH your message or preach at people. If your message consistently says, “We need to, you need to, you ought to or you should….” This means you are pushing your people and preaching at them. You need to PULL, talk about how great that thing is and they will move toward it. Listen to yourself and evaluate that. 6) Tone and tempo. I preach fast. That is my fault. If you are Baptist you will probably be too laid back or if you are Pentecostal you will be too loud and fast. Pace and use pauses. 7) Be humorous, just not too humorous. I am a high “D” personality, so I am on a mission communicating. That is my fault. Have funny parts about your own life, but don’t look like a joke on stage while communicating. Use funny stories. As the Joker said, “Why so serious?” 8) Avoid repetitive religious slogans or jargon that are formed out of habit or culture rather than planned to help accentuate the message. Count your Amens and your Uhms. Is there a phrase you use way too much? I counted one preacher who used the phrase, “How many of you know?” about 50-60 times in one message. 9)Be cautious to not sideswipe people or take shots at them from the pulpit. You don’t want your people taking cheap shots, so you don’t take em’ either.
Finally, enjoy your time up there! Listen to all preachers of different styles and denominations. After you do all that, be yourself. People want to hear you.
