core studies : communication
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Communication
Communication requires two-way interaction. God has given man the means to communicate with him through prayer and through studying His word (John 6:63). As we pray and study God's word, God speaks to us through his Spirit so that we may know and understand His will (Psalms 19:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Matthew 6:6-7, Romans 8:26-27).
As healthy human body must have a good coordinated flow of all of its needed supplies, the body of Christ likewise needs a good coordinated flow of information and understanding to be healthy and edified in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, Philippians 1:27).
Communication with our pastors is a vital part of a healthy church, especially when in regard to spiritual matters in people's lives or when in regard to the function of the ministry (Jeremiah 3:15, Ephesians 4:11-12). The pastor is the man that God holds accountable for the perfecting of each soul within his congregation. Each person should, therefore, maintain a healthy channel of communication with his pastor (Romans 13:1-6).
When someone is not working within a ministry, they are working alone. When individuals work in the collective effort of a ministry, then everyone's strengths are added to one another's work. By this, the overall effectiveness of the ministry increases (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 1 Corinthians 12:14-23, 4:13-19, Hebrews 3:13, Romans 12:5-13).
When a person misses a church service without first communicating, the pastor may become concerned for that person's physical or spiritual state. This may cause the pastor to inquire of this person's welfare. Also, any time a person misses a church function, his input into the body of Christ is missed. For these reasons, to be an effective and supportive part of our church, we should inform our pastor anytime we anticipate being absent from church and its ministries. (Hebrews 13:16-17, Act 20:28, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8). Some activities that may not involve the church will affect our availability to the responsibilities that we hold within the church. Therefore, we should not only communicate but also coordinate with our pastor regarding matters that affect our obligations to ministry (1 Corinthians 14:40, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Communication should be 'two-way,' from the pastor to the individual and from the individual to his pastor.
If a brother or sister has been offended by another, and the offence has created ill feelings; the one offended needs to communicate to his or her offender in a prayerful and constructive manner (1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 18:15-18). The offending person may not know the hurt or the trouble that was caused. We all owe it to each other to communicate in all humility and honesty (Proverbs 18:19).
