Friday, April 26, 2013

Ministers Desk 28th April 2013


Traditional communication theory says that there are five parts to the communication process.

 

Firstly, there is the person who is transmitting the message. 

 

Secondly, there is the message that is communicated.  This includes deciding what is communicated and what isn’t.

 

Thirdly, there is the medium by which the message is communicated.  This includes whether it is in writing, spoken or through other means.

 

Fourthly, there is the person who receives the message. 

 

Fifthly, there involves feedback.  Did the receiver receive the message that the sender intend to communicate, or was there some interference that prevented this.  The interference could be misunderstanding of what was intended, or that the message didn’t get through or that either the sender or receiver had pre-conceived ideas that coloured what was communicated.

 

Communication is not a simple matter of just saying something.  It is an activity in which both the sender and receiver must play an active part in ensuring that they message that was conveyed and received is understood to be the same.  Communication within our congregation is everybody’s business. 

 

The leaders of our congregation, including myself, Harlee, the Church Council and the leaders of our groups seek to keep the congregation updated on the activities, plans and discussions that are taking place.  But we recognise that this doesn’t always happen.  Some things aren’t communicated that should be, some things aren’t communicated in a timely way and other information is transmitted, but not clearly enough to be understood.  Please be gracious to us when the communication process isn’t what you expect.

 

Since, communication involves two parties, I also encourage you to be proactive in seeking out information or clarifying information that is not clear.  On the back page of every notice sheet are the contact details of the Ministry Team and Church Council members.  I encourage you to contact the relevant person and ask any questions, give any feedback or make a comment about the ministry of our church.

 

The ministry of this congregation belongs to all its members, not just those in leadership.  It is therefore important that we all take our part in this ministry.

 

 

Grace and peace

 

 

David Fender

 

 

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