Communication is essential for leadership. A few days ago I ran across some excellent written communication from the high school ministry at Mariner’s Church.

Jeff Maguire is a good friend of mine. We’ve known each other since high school, both of us have been mentored by Doug Fields, and we worked together at Saddleback until he went to Mariner’s church to be their high school pastor.

He recently made a big change for their ministry. The decision wasn’t wasn’t quick or easy, and it even ran counter to some of his previous assumptions about ministry. It was the right decision, but he knew he’s face some disagreement.

Successfully leading a change like this takes wisdom. The tiny part I’s like to highlight is some of his communication, which you can find on their website (link below). This page is well written: short, clear, anticipates questions, and conveys their heart.

It seems to me that many of us in youth ministry are “face to face” people. We’d rather talk about it than write. I get this, and it’s great. However, there is a lot of power in good communication. For example, there are lots of people in the world who aren’t bold enough for a conversation, but have no problems spreading their negative opinions to others. A “safe” piece of writting may be your only change to convince them.

No, a good piece of writing ins’t a replacement for actual conversations, and it can be a supplement. Leadership ought to utilize all channels of communication.

In the absence of communication (verbal or otherwise), people will invent their own facts to support their own bias and move forward their agendas. Every human does this.

Leadership takes communication because it helps move people to a different place. Great communication will reduce conflict and multiply buy in.

Is healthy communication a value for your ministry?
Is your communication healthy? How do you know?
Where is the communication strong in your ministry?
How has your communication made a positive impact in your ministry?

BTW: here’s the link to some communication that I think is really good: http://marinersministries.org/hs/?p=1202