By Jere L. Phillips
David
J. Hesselgrave advocates three steps to cross-cultural communication: (1) understanding
human universals, (2) inquiring into cultural differences and (3) understanding
uniqueness. He writes: “It is the similarity between men that makes identification,
understanding and empathy possible.”7 Keys, then, to
transgenerational preaching include the following:
1.
Know your audience: Sheila Massey reminds the preacher that “The most
crucial aspect of communication is one’s attitude to the people to whom one
is communicating, and that attitude is tied in with one’s presuppositions of
the context.”8 By understanding the people in our pews
and genuinely caring for them, the preacher can bridge a vast gap of cultural
experience.
Advertisement
2.
Identifying in love. Robert Cunville reminds us that Paul claimed, “I am
made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor. 9:20-22)
He notes that while total identification is impossible, still, there must be
an acceptance and love for people to whom we speak.9 Lingerfleter
and Mayers argue that although total identification culturally is impossible,
there must be some attempt. “Such effort shows respect and generally produces
a positive response.”10
3.
Finding commonalities. Given the vast differences between the generational
cultures, each human being has many aspects of nature and life in common with
all other humans. The transgenerational preacher must discover those traits
and bring application of the biblical exposition to bear on those matters all
people hold in common.
4.
Understanding the vocabulary Preaching to multiple generations requires
expanding one’s vocabulary and speaking with special precision. Far from trying
to employ the latest slang, this key calls for understanding the different meanings
words have for different people “Many times even the word ‘God’ is a symbol
for a great many different conceptions of deity. It is important to specify
precise meaning,” writes Cunville. 11
5.
Hearing feedback: Cultural cues can aid cultural feedback from the congregation.
Lingerfleter and Mayers advised: “It is fairly obvious that communication requires
effective use of cultural cues. … A cultural cue is a specific signal or sign
that people use to communicate the meaning of their behavior.”12
6.
Adapting the methods of communication – Cunville observed how different
cultures may respond negatively if the method of communication is inappropriate.13
Leonard Sweet in Postmodern Pilgrims made a strong case for the
transition of society from a word-driven to an image-driven communications modem.14
Postmoderns especially need to be able to see the message, not just to hear
it. McIntosh agrees. He wrote: “Busters tend to be visual learners, rather
than cognitive learners. When information is not presented in a visual form,
it may take them longer to digest.”15 Preachers
can bridge the generational divide by using word pictures to cross into image-driven
territory.
