Principles of Leadership- Communicate

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders. 

During 2022, my theme has been “10 Principles of Spiritual Leadership”.  Today we have reached our final principle, “Communicate!”  This is not the tenth principle because it is least in importance; rather, I have saved this for last because communication is fundamental for the successful execution of all the other principles. 

It is my experience that when communication breaks down, everything suffers, and when there is good communication, problems can be overcome, and issues resolved.

The following are some of the desired outcomes of clear communication.

• Clearly understood information or instructions 

• Alignment on desired objectives or goals

• Motivation toward a desired response

• Mutual understanding between the one communicating and the listener.  It has been said that “a man shouting down a well is not communicating.”  We will speak more about this in the next podcast.  

The book of Acts has many examples of clear communication as early disciples were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Consider the afore mentioned list of desired outcomes as we look at examples from Peter, Stephen, Philip, and Paul in the book of Acts.  

• In Acts 2, we read about Peter’s great sermon on the day of Pentecost.  "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" (37)  I would suggest that Peter’s message - and the desired response - must have been very clearly understood.

• Stephen gave his defense in Acts 6 and 7.  Scripture records that "These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke."  (6:9b-10). Stephen was able to offer a defense for the gospel that was clearly understood, though not accepted.    

• The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch is recorded in chapter 8.  We read, "Then Phillip began … and told him the good news about Jesus … and the eunuch said … Why shouldn't I be baptized?" (35-36).  In this account we see clearly understood information, motivation toward the response of the eunuch, and mutual understanding between these men.  

• Finally, in chapter 17, we read about Paul speaking to those at the Areopagus.  "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this subject' … A few men became … believers." (32-34) Like those already mentioned, Paul was able to clearly communicate to his audience.

As leaders, it is important that we communicate clearly and with purpose. Good communication provides a foundation for relationship, mutual understanding, and resolution of problems and issues.  

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.