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.

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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.