big ears, small ears

Between Sunday and this morning I communicated to four very different audiences.

Young Married peeps: I co-taught with my wife a chapter out of Sex God by Rob Bell. We talked about mutual submission (chapter 6). If men want to LEAD the home…they need to submit to their wives. And most people don’t think submitting and leading can be done at the same time. Interesting discussion. Submission goes both ways. Speaking to this crowd requires providing an environment that will generate discussion and thought provoking questions. Coffee and muffins are a must, too.

Kids Factory: I spoke to 1st through 5th graders about making God their top priority. Bottom Line: When we place God first, everything else will fall into place. Always fun to communicate to kids. They like goofy. I can handle that. Bring a bunch a kids up on the stage to scream really loud never hurts, either.

The Pipeline (student ministry): I led the group in a multi-media game. All I had to do was act excited, get their attention, and try to draw in as much participation as possible. So pretty much just act obnoxious on stage for a few minutes. Dry and boring doesn't work here.

Men's Book Club: Lead a 6 a.m. discussion out of Every Man, God's Man. (coffee needed!) We talked about persevering through life's storms. The second chapter was about setting boundaries in our life to protect us from temptation. (Chapters 16,17) Have we set up guard rails to protect our marriages? This crowd listens. And when they talk, it's usually real powerful because they have decided to speak from their heart about their life.

Speaking to different audiences sure keeps you on your toes attempting to be an effective communicator.

How can we improve? What helps you?