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Resources - Meditations
October 2000
Trowel Building
Non-Verbal Language
Rev. John Ter Horst
The whole matter of communication is an interesting subject. In fact the
more I study it, the more fascinating it becomes. The more I learn about
it, the further surprised I am that it happens as often as it does. Ruel
Howe wrote, “It is false to assume that if one can talk he can
communicate. Because so much of our education misleads people into
thinking that communication is easier than it is, they become
discouraged and give up when they run into difficulty. Because they do
not understand the nature of the problem, they do not know what to do.
The wonder is not that communicating is as difficult as it is, but that
it occurs as it does.”
As you read this article, I am communicating with you. The effectiveness
of the communication could only be ascertained by spending time
together. Communication happens at different levels. When speaking and
listening to one another, that forms just one small part of the
communication process. H. Norman Wright maintains that when two people
communicate the breakdown of the message goes something like this:
actual words = 7%, tone of voice = 38%, nonverbal communication = 55%.
Of course the actual percentages are debatable. The fact that all three
aspects are involved is not.
If you are, or have been married for any length of time you will know
all about the unconscious communication that happens between a husband
and a wife. It’s a scary thought but most of us have experienced what
Enid Balint wrote, “Or, to put it another way, a husband may communicate
with his wife without being aware that he has.”
Communicating effectively then, can be like a road littered by potholes.
It requires concentration and effort if you want to avoid the potholes.
Naturally there are some people who just avoid driving down that road. I
remember a cartoon from the “Wizard of Id” series. The wife says to the
wizard, “We never talk anymore!” He responds, “What do you want to talk
about?” She replies, “Our marriage.” To which he responds with, “What’s
on T.V.?” That not only avoids the potholes, it is staying out of the
car altogether!
What does all this mean for the way we communicate the Gospel? It means
a number of things, let me highlight a few.
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Gospel proclamation happens when the Word of God is preached and taught. In other words, when it is verbalised. Paul writes, “And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14] The preaching and teaching and sharing of the Gospel ought to take a high priority in the life of every Christian community and congregation; its use encouraged according to gifting. Yet all of us are challenged by Peter, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.” Peter continues by reminding us how, “But do this with gentleness and respect,” [1 Peter 3:15]
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Gospel proclamation happens when the Gospel is lived out. In other words, people ought to be able to see the reality of the Gospel message in the personal lives of Christians. We may call this the non-verbal proclamation of the Gospel. This means the fruit of the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23] flowing freely and abundantly from the heart and life of the believer.
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Gospel proclamation happens when the Gospel is practiced in relation to others. The verbal expression of the Gospel is best heard when it is confirmed by loving concern for others. This after all is part of the greatest commandment. Our ministry of mercy, locally, nationally or internationally springs to mind here. The ministry of mercy when practiced by individuals, or larger communities is an integral part of the overall message Christians proclaim.
Communication, especially of the Gospel, is a field
in which we desire to plant an abundant crop. May our desire be to hear
and see the Gospel in the life of every child of God.
A Recitation:
“We have a Gospel to proclaim, good news for all throughout the earth; the gospel of a Saviour’s name: we sing His glory, tell His worth.”
(Book of Worship 434.1)
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