Communication that covers all the bases

"We don’t give enough time and attention to addressing how people will cope with their emotional response to the change"

After preparing the ground with some introductory and low-key statements about the future, Jesus began to be much more open and explicit in drawing the apostles into the discussion. “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Matt. 16:21 (Mark 9:30 Mark 10:32)

As the time for transition approached Jesus’ communication was more intentional and specific. He not only addressed the details but also began to prepare the apostles regarding their own emotional reactions “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Mark 14:26-27

So often in communicating major transition we don’t give enough time and attention to addressing how people will cope with their emotional response to the change. This is particularly a challenge to leaders who outline the future in a one-off, “Great state of the church” address, filling it out with big ideas and little detail. Jesus was much more intentional and regular with the way he gave his disciples information, over a period of time covering all the bases.

In the next blog I will look at outrageous responses to major change.

Communication that covers all the bases

After preparing the ground with some introductory and low-key statements about the future, Jesus began to be much more open and explicit in drawing the apostles into the discussion. “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Matt. 16:21 (Mark 9:30 Mark 10:32)