Lausanne World Pulse – Overcoming Communication Barriers and Boundaries in Sharing the Gospel

June 2007

By Andrew Sundar

We have used this Nepal case study to illustrate how to deal with the some of the barriers and boundaries we may face. However, we need to acknowledge that we have only scratched the surface. Through these experiences, we may draw some practical lessons to develop a communication model that may help to overcome future communication challenges in gospel media ministry. In our analyses, we should also bear in mind the fact that suffering is inevitable if we desire to share the gospel.

Media Communication Model to Overcome Barriers and Boundaries

  1. The fundamental goal for media ministries is to seek Spirit-led, gifted Bible teachers and evangelists to fill the roles of content creators and content transformers. They may be trained and equipped for media ministry.
  2. The key to effective communication through media involves two key functions: content creation and content transformation (as illustrated below). These functions collaborate to gather and share meaningful communication from scripture. 

Content creators need an intimate understanding of the worldview of their audience. This will help to identify potential hindrances to understanding the message and developing bridges through appropriate pre-dialog questions. The goal is to lead a listener through the appropriate Bible story that will address these sticking points, and to conclude with appropriate questions in the post-dialog that will ensure a listener’s worldview has been challenged by the truth from God’s word.

Content transformers should continuously communicate with content creators sharing information about the worldview of the audience and about the effectiveness of current media content. This should be an on-going process. Further, content transformers should be prepared to walk as Christ walked, possibly going through suffering as they take the risk of building relationships and sharing the gospel with listeners.

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Andrew Sundar is a communications specialist. He currently serves as director of the Media Resources Group—Asia for Trans World Radio and is based in Singapore.