Today I’m starting a four part communication series on lessons I have learned from the book WORDS THAT WORK by Frank Luntz. Although this book is about two years old (a revised updated paperback version is scheduled for release next month), it’s one of the best I’ve read on the topic of communication. While it focuses on political and corporate communication, the lessons for pastors and church leaders are easy to extract. I recommend that you read and study this book. Here are four of the rules he offers for good communication:

Rule One…Simplicity: Use Small Words
Avoid words that might force someone to reach for the dictionary…because most Americans won’t.

Rule Two…Brevity: Use Short Sentences

Rule Three…Credibility Is As Important As Philosophy

Rule Four…Consistency Matters
Message consistency builds customer loyalty. Ronald Reagan was the only politician I ever saw who seemed to enjoy saying the same words over and over again as though it was the first time he had ever spoken them.

Are you violating any of these rules in your speaking, preaching or church communication? More tomorrow.

Nelson

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.