Over the years, I have been asked to coach people on the art of teaching and communicating in a variety of different forums. From CEOs to sales staff to various artists, my life has been blessed to meet and give nuggets from my experience in the arena of crafting and projecting a message. However, the one I am most identified with, and most passionate about, is the communication of the Gospel message in our culture. Here are my bullet points on how I suggest that a communicator increase their depth, passion for God and people, and keep updating the art of teaching.
1. Listen To Great Teaching and Preaching
-I tend to listen to the opposite of how I teach these days.
-I used to listen to who I loved to communicate like. Then, I decided to listen to those who were complete opposite of my style, and that made a huge difference.
THEN..understand..
-NOWADAYS, I am an avid reader. Not just cliffs notes or quotes…I read. A lot!
-READ, READ, READ. Develop the discipline of reading more than replicating what you hear. This practice of accumulating thoughts will add meat to your particular style of delivery and depth.
-because I have developed my own style
*But, your style will not feel like a “style” in the beginning.
2. To Understand, To Be Very Clear, On What Is At Stake.
-spend time regularly, reflecting on what is at stake with the human condition AND the theology offered…
-If we don’t keep the main thing in focus, my teaching will become a referendum on how MY LIFE is going.
James 3:1 says:
“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
3. Cultivate A Deep, Rich, Inner Life With Christ.
-if my teaching does not flow out of my inner life, we are all in trouble.
“Solitude is the furnace of transformation. Without solitude we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the illusions of the false self. Jesus himself entered into this furnace. There he was tempted with the three compulsions of the world: to be relevant (‘turn stones into loaves’), to be spectacular (‘throw yourself down’), and to be powerful (‘I will give you all these kingdoms’). There he affirmed God as the only source of his identity (‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve him alone’). Solitude is the place of the great struggle and the great encounter – the struggle against the compulsions of the false self, and the encounter with the loving God who offers himself as the substance of the new self.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
A Dutch theologian, Abraham Kuyper says, in reference to the Tabernacle:
1. There was the outer court, where everyone had access. This is your appearance or display of gifts, and everyone sees this part of you.
2. In the tabernacle there was also an inner chamber called the Holy Place. Not everyone had access to this area, and most were not allowed in. You too have a holy place, the place where you only allow certain people to enter, such as your special friends or close family members. You decide who comes in and who doesn’t.
3. Then there was one more chamber – a very small, carefully guarded place, deep inside. It was the most sacred, and they had a beautiful name for this: the Holy of Holies. It was entered only by the chief priest – for one person and God. This is an amazing truth about the depth of how God made you – because whether you are young or old, whichever place in society you find yourself, you have one of these places inside of you! Only God enters there. No other human being can come into your Holy of Holies. Your sanctuary with your God!
There are depths in each one of us that no one else will know. Parts of us we cannot put into words. But God knows. And it’s a safe and sacred place to be. Private prayer is your soul alone with God. Jesus had those times alone of communion with His Father. Jesus prayed when His life was crowded and draining.
*This will be part of an online course beginning in January 2019!
