Language Barriers

I have been thinking a lot recently about how much language and culture barriers have hampered our abilities, as christians, to minister effectively to others. I have also recognized that within the Church itself, these same language barriers are largely responsible for most disagreements. We must make it a priority to think about good communication skills and respect cultural differences not only throughout the world but also in our own back yards.

To understand my point, think of men and women. The author of a popular christian book called "Love and Respect" described this relationship perfectly. Men see through blue glasses, while women see through pink glasses. Because of this, communication becomes a problem without proper listening skills. When the man and the woman describe what each see's when looking at the same picture they will use totally different language to describe that picture, yet they will argue that they aren't talking about the same picture.

 The same thing happens on the mission field and in the Church. Many times barriers are created because people will be saying the same thing in different ways and argue that they don't agree. This is ironic because in reality they are saying the same thing in a different way. 

Good communication skills along with a breakdown of cultural barriers are the keys to effective ministry and unity within the Church.