6 Communication Mistakes that Limit Ministry Effectiveness

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"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." George Bernard Shaw

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place— George Bernard Shaw Click To Tweet

I have a love/hate relationship with Shaw's line. I love the simple truth in it. And...I hate the simple truth in it.

One of the greatest inhibitors of effective ministry is poor (or less than great) communication.

Here are six very common mistakes:

1. We assume that everyone already knows.

As infrequent attendance becomes more and more common, our assumption needs to be that everyone doesn't already know. This is why I've suggested that we need to make the host ask several weeks in a row.

2. We try to explain detailed information in the wrong settings.

Some things need a more thorough explanation. The time to explain more thoroughly is not in the announcements. Detail can be provided in a well written FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document. Here's an example of a Host FAQ.

3. We try to automate too much communication.

Some things need a personal touch. I hand out a lot of business cards and say, "Call me.  Let's talk about it." No matter the size of your ministry, personalizing some communication is just good practice. I've pointed out this little detail before. See also, The Teeny Tiny Detail at the Bottom of This Saddleback Web Page.

4. We manufacture enthusiasm and it doesn't fool anyone.

This is central issue in communication. When the communicator isn't truly enthused about the program or event, everyone can sense it. If the communicator isn't enthused, either you have the wrong communicator or the wrong program.

We manufacture enthusiasm and it doesn't fool anyone. This is central issue in communication. When the communicator isn't truly enthused about the program or event, everyone can sense it. If the communicator isn't enthused, either you… Click To Tweet

5. We communicate only the what (or the how) but not the why.

This is a very important understanding. When all we do is explain what we're doing or how we're doing it, we miss the most important aspect, the why behind it. Why is the most effective persuader/influencer.

When all we do is explain what we're doing or how we're doing it, we miss the most important aspect, the why behind it. Why is the most effective persuader/influencer. Click To Tweet

See also, Wrestling with Why.

6. We limit communication to an information/data exchange.

Like it or not, wired for it or not, there are many in your crowd who primarily respond to passion or emotion. If all we do is communicate the facts, we miss this group. Conversely, there are some that are wired to respond to the facts. If all we do is make emotional appeals, we miss this group. Balance is essential.

Like it or not, wired for it or not, there are many in your crowd who primarily respond to passion or emotion. If all we do is communicate the facts, we miss this group. Conversely, there are some that are wired to respond to the… Click To Tweet

What do you think? Have a question? Want to argue? You can click here to jump into the conversation.

Image by Katie

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12 Comments

  1. Rob on August 26, 2013 at 7:55 am

    This is great info. From my experience I have seen these mistakes far too often.



  2. Dane Gressett on August 26, 2013 at 8:52 am

    great reminder…and very timely as fall programs begin to be launched. Thx.



  3. markchowell on August 26, 2013 at 8:53 am

    Thanks Rob!



  4. markchowell on August 26, 2013 at 8:54 am

    Thanks Dane!



  5. Andrew Mason on August 26, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    Great opening quote! I think some churches would grow if they were simply better at communication. No major changes, just over-communicate.



  6. markchowell on August 26, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    That is the truth! Thanks Andrew!



  7. Joanne Cannon on October 7, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks for this list. #5 is great, I believe it’s where we create value.



  8. markchowell on October 7, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    You’re right Joanne! Without the why…it’s just noise!

    mark



  9. CELL.HICC on December 14, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Wow! Thanks for these Mark. I can identify with 4 mistakes i make already. Really an eye opener.



  10. Roger Carr on November 4, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Mark – This is a great list of communication mistakes that I have unfortunately experienced and made myself at times. Another mistake to consider adding to your list is the lack of listening. Communication is 2-way. Sometimes we get so focused on the next thing we are going to say (or write), we aren’t present for the people we are communicating with. Why do we expect them to listen and act on what we say if we aren’t willing to do the same?



  11. markchowell on November 5, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    You’re right Roger! If we’re not listening we will struggle to communicate about the right things in the right way.



  12. alice on November 5, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    I am receiving e mails from you and have not subscribed. Please remove my email address from your mailings.

    Thank you,
    alicehiett@gmail.com