1. © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center Living System Ministry Relevant Communication The Third Stage of the Process of the Gospel and a Useful Tool in Ministry

2. What is it? Relevant communication:  Includes listening as well as speaking.  Means knowing what people are saying and, to a degree, what they are thinking.  Involves carefully using stories, examples and other ways to communicate clearly.  Goes beyond words and into the depths of who we really are. © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

3. Congruency The goal of relevant communication is congruency. © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center What you think you’re saying is what the other person is actually understanding you to be saying. What you’re hearing is what the other person is intending for you to hear.

4. God models communication When Jesus ministered on earth, he used parables to relevantly communicate to the people, such as the parable of:  The sower  The weeds  Hidden treasure  The net catching fish He listened, spoke, asked questions, and used stories to effectively communicate with the people. © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center

5. How do you do it? There is no formula to effective communication, but there are ways for us to learn about and develop this skill. Relevant communication:  Requires honesty  Creates a safe environment  Calls for maturity  Involves nonverbal cues  Demonstrates effective listening skills © 2012 Emmanuel Gospel Center