Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins of Church Staff Communication

Communication — a vital but often challenging aspect at the heart of any functioning team, particularly for the church staff. Effective communication fosters collaboration, leading to both a healthier environment and more efficient church operations.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Communication

Here's a quick rundown of the seven deadly sins of church staff communication, and how to navigate away from these damaging practices.

1. One-way Communication

Reaching out to others only when you need something is a surefire way to erode trust and yield resentment. Prioritize nurturing relationships and engage in regular communication.

2. Inconsistent Follow-ups

Leaving people in the dark after a meeting or a conversation creates confusion and stalls progress. Be sure to follow up and close the loop on discussions to keep everyone on the same page.

3. Indirect Approach

Passive aggressiveness might seem subtle, but it's potent. It can lead to misinterpretations and strain relationships. Tackle issues directly, avoiding the use of hints or veiled comments.

4. Passive Listening

Active listening involves giving your full attention, asking clarifying questions, and making an effort to understand the speaker. Ignoring this can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

5. Over Communicating

Over Communication can lead to information overload, distracting from essential messages. Learn to prioritize your communication and use the right channels for different kinds of messages.

6. Assumptions

Don't let preconceived notions guide your communication. It can lead to misunderstandings and even hurt feelings. Instead, ask questions, clarify information, and be open to different perspectives.

7. Blaming Others

Finger-pointing breeds a toxic environment. Instead, accept responsibility for your actions, focus on solutions, and work collaboratively to address the problem.

The Bottom Line

By identifying these seven deadly sins of communication, your church staff can foster a more effective and unified team, which is essential for the mission of the church. Remember, effective communication, and collaboration go hand-in-hand and are crucial elements in a healthy church team.

Feeling inspired to build a team that communicates effectively and collaborates joyfully? Listen to more insightful conversations on this topic on today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode.