Communication is a key element of any relationship or organization. Since the church is an organization of relationships built upon the Gospel, communication for those in ministry is vital for success. For those in technology ministry, there are two key types of communication; communication with those you are leading and communication with those you lead.
On the first day of a new ministry job, I found myself excited and yet keenly aware of how much I had to learn. Specifically, I needed to make a concerted effort to learn about the culture of the church. One of the trickier elements, I soon learned, had to do with communication. I quickly learned that there simply wasn't very much of it. As a new employee, I needed someone to communicate what was expected of me. I also needed to be able to share concerns and encouragements with those I was following.
As a member of the tech staff at your church, you likely are not the primary driver of leadership culture in your church. That culture usually comes from the "higher-ups." However, there are a few key points that I have found to be valuable in helping to cultivate God-honoring healthy communication with those under whose leadership I fall.
1) Be a Joy to Lead. Hebrews 13:17 instructs all of us to submit to our leaders within the church in such a way that we are a joy to lead. This is especially important for those of us who lead under the leadership of others. As we serve we should be an example to the rest of the church. It is in this spirit that we must evaluate our communication style with those leading us. Constant complaints, fruitless negativity, and divisiveness will make us less than a joy to lead and poison our efforts at communication.
2) Humility Rules. Philippians 2 teaches us to live out the humility that Christ has modeled for us through is incarnation and sacrifice on the cross. If we allow this to color our communication, we can truly set the tone for God-honoring patterns and results.
3) Transparent but Discerning. As followers of Christ we are to be transparent with one another, not hiding our faults but seeking to be sharpened and built up by one another. Be careful however, not to constantly throw-up all over those who lead you. They likely have a lot to handle and they are responsible for a great many people. Give them the information they need to lead you well, but not every single detail of every situation.
4) Submissive but Genuine. Certainly we should be submissive, gladly embracing our role under our leaders within the body. However, sometimes the temptation can be to go over the top, and it is easy to appear as though you are seeking special favor by “sucking up”. Be yourself, God put you where you are because He gifted you to serve and lead. Ultimately, it is God's favor that we should seek.
Communications in management and ministry can be complicated. How you are led and how you lead are often indicators of how valuable you will be in your role. Communications can be difficult for many tech types. Most of us would be more comfortable trouble shooting a sound system than working on an inter-personal work relationship. Since so much depends on how we send and receive communications, it's all the more important to be proactive in learning to communicate well.
Related Articles:
On Leading and Being Lead: Five Ways to Cultivate Trust and Communication
Back Talk: Great Expectations - Bridging the Communications Divide
