By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder
How Ministers Should Speak Biblically
Often we just go about life doing whatever we think is best. Many of our thought processes are automatic and do not enjoy very much careful thinking. A good example of this is driving a car. Consider how you behaved the first time you drove a car. You likely used great caution and was over sensitive to your moves. Yet, the years went by and you became so accustomed to doing it, you have gotten now to the place where you rarely think about how you drive at all.
Communication is very similar to this. When we first learn to communicate by speaking, using a telephone etc. we are concerned with following the right processes and protocols. It is important to us to capitalize the first letter of every sentence, and to spell our words correctly. When speaking it is important that we pronounce the words correctly and that we use the right word for the message we are trying to convey. As the years go by we begin to have a certain grouping of words that we are accustomed to using and we use them on a regular basis. Unfortunately we do not tend to note whether or not the uses of these words are the very best for communication.
In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1Pe 3:15-16 ESV).
In other words, we should not beat people over the head with the truth, but rather we should communicate with “gentleness” and “respect”.
Christian Communication Standards for Leaders
Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. An angry person doesn’t do what God approves of. (Jas 1:19-20).
Ministers should be ever ready to hear the hearts and burdens of other people –first. Then they should respond without anger.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29 ESV).
Ministers should never speak things that are indecent, but rather they should speak in context for the purpose of building-up the listeners.
Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. (Pro 4:24 ESV).
Ministers should always be honest and not play games with words intended to hide the truth.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col 4:6 ESV).
Salt is a preservative and a wonderful source of flavor. Ministers should answer people in a way preserves their conversation, seasons their thoughts, and that suits the personality of those who hear.
In Revelation chapters 2-3 we see that Jesus first praised the churches before he admonished them.
This is a powerful approach to correction. Opening statements of reproof should be seasoned with a word of encouragement or praise if at all possible. Doing so will greatly increase the chances of people listening.
30 Additional Verses About Biblical Communication
| Jeremiah 1:9 Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 12:18 Proverbs 13:17 Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 15:2 Proverbs 15:28 Proverbs 16:23 Proverbs 18:13 Proverbs 18:17 Proverbs 18:2 Proverbs 18:21 Proverbs 25:11 Proverbs 29:11 Psalm 141:3 Psalm 19:14 |
Matthew 12:34 1 Corinthians 2:14 2 Timothy 2:16 2 Timothy 3:16 Amos 3:7 Colossians 3:8 Colossians 4:6 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:25 Ephesians 4:29 Ephesians 4:32 Philippians 4:8 Hebrews 4:12 James 1:19 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Communication
1. What are biblical communication principles for ministers?
Biblical communication principles for ministers include speaking with gentleness and respect, being slow to anger, building others up with grace-filled speech, avoiding corrupt or crooked talk, and communicating in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
2. Why is gentleness and respect important in Christian communication?
Gentleness and respect demonstrate obedience to 1 Peter 3:15-16 and ensure that truth is delivered with a clear conscience. The goal is not to overpower people with arguments but to represent Christ faithfully in both content and tone.
3. How should ministers handle correction and rebuke?
Revelation chapters 2-3 show that Jesus first praised the churches before offering correction. Ministers should season reproof with encouragement whenever possible to increase receptiveness and maintain unity.
4. What does it mean to be quick to listen and slow to speak?
James 1:19 teaches that ministers should listen carefully to the hearts and burdens of others before responding. Thoughtful listening prevents anger-driven responses and promotes godly wisdom.
5. How does speech reflect spiritual maturity?
Speech reveals the condition of the heart. Gracious, honest, and edifying communication reflects spiritual growth, while corrupt or devious talk reveals immaturity. Biblical communication is evidence of Christ ruling the heart.
