THE LANGUAGE OF BEING MISSIONAL
Bridging the gap between what is defined as spiritual and what is identified as secular
The words you creatively choose for your writing can impact who you reach…
THE LANGUAGE OF BEING MISSIONAL
When someone speaks in a foreign language, the words can be meaningless if the listener doesn’t understand the language. A health article written with highly medical terminology may be easily understood by doctors but not patients. The language of church, or theological language, can be much the same way.
The audience of the final product must be kept in mind when writing anything, including Christian works. If the piece is intended for people in the church who are familiar with the language and culture of it, then more theological terms are appropriate. However, if something needs to be accessible to people newer to the church or even the unchurched, then additional care and attention must be paid to word choices. Either different words must be chosen that are more universally understood, or explanation should be provided if no substitute term is possible. However, if an explanation is the only way to handle something, be sure it is short and to the point so the reader is not turned off or bored. The goal is for them to pay attention to the message, not to the definition.
Also, there is the added issue of choosing specific language to reach various subgroups and subcultures. These groups each have their own lingo, or slang, and may be more receptive to people who can speak it fluently and correctly. If someone learns it “just enough” to try and focus on getting just a single message across, this usually backfires in the end and erodes trust.
No matter what people one wants to reach with writing, and with what creative choice of language and style, first and foremost the writer needs to be authentic. Work on building friendships and trust while learning the culture of the intended audience. Getting to know people helps in growing spiritually, as well as enriching one’s writing background.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Consider prayerfully Mark 16:15-18. It calls on believers to go into the world and spread the word. What are ways that you can do this naturally?
2) There may be people you encounter familiar with Christ that have fallen away, some who do not know Christ but receptive, and those convinced He can’t exist. How would you adjust your language to each situation when gearing writings to each set of people? Do you find one of these groups of people harder to reach than the others, and how would you challenge yourself to do it more effectively?
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #5
Last revised: February 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Journaling for Christ
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST
Recording Your Personal Walk
How a Spiritual Journal Differs from a Prayer Diary and How it Can be a Tool for Your Walk with Christ
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST
A spiritual journal records a personal walk with God, which is different from a prayer diary, which records prayers and the status of each, though these can be added as part of someone’s spiritual journal. Some might say journaling isn’t necessary if God already knows everything, but there are several reasons it can help. It serves as a record to understand and appreciate Christian growth over time. Another purpose is to capture thoughts when the Spirit moves you for later reflection. It’s also a way to work out your thoughts in praying to God.
“Writer’s Block” – which can occur when one’s mind is empty, unfocused, or restrained – happens as much with a spiritual journal as any other type of writing: fear of not using “just the right words” with God, being uncomfortable with being honest, or just distracted by too many other things. Clear your mind of any outside distractions, pray your mind will be open to listen to the Spirit, and if that still doesn’t seem to help, you can choose a Biblical passage to contemplate or try some sort of creative exercise such as trying to retell a story in the Bible from someone else’s point of view, or writing some original praise poetry.
There are journals available that provide a verse or thought daily for one to respond to. Journaling is a very personal process and these may not be appropriate for everyone. Some may prefer or need the structure to get them writing, while others may only become frustrated if they do not have something to say on each day that is Spirit led, yet feel as if they are doing “something wrong” by not answering. If the Spirit is leading you to write about something else, go with that instead of what a page written by someone else is instructing you do. After all, it is your walk with the Lord. If none of these work, the Spirit may just not want to be using the page to speak with you at that particular time, as if to say: “Contemplate things more on your own and see what you discover, and then get back to me”. It is more than all right. God speaks in many ways.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Find a verse or chapter in the Bible that carries special meaning for you. Write down in your journal what emotions or connotations come to mind for you when reading that passage and how it makes you feel in relation to Christ.
2) Consider Psalm 102:18. What is the importance of recording a personal journey with God – for ourselves? For others? Write down your answer if you feel led to.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #3
Last revised: February 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Recording Your Personal Walk
How a Spiritual Journal Differs from a Prayer Diary and How it Can be a Tool for Your Walk with Christ
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST
A spiritual journal records a personal walk with God, which is different from a prayer diary, which records prayers and the status of each, though these can be added as part of someone’s spiritual journal. Some might say journaling isn’t necessary if God already knows everything, but there are several reasons it can help. It serves as a record to understand and appreciate Christian growth over time. Another purpose is to capture thoughts when the Spirit moves you for later reflection. It’s also a way to work out your thoughts in praying to God.
“Writer’s Block” – which can occur when one’s mind is empty, unfocused, or restrained – happens as much with a spiritual journal as any other type of writing: fear of not using “just the right words” with God, being uncomfortable with being honest, or just distracted by too many other things. Clear your mind of any outside distractions, pray your mind will be open to listen to the Spirit, and if that still doesn’t seem to help, you can choose a Biblical passage to contemplate or try some sort of creative exercise such as trying to retell a story in the Bible from someone else’s point of view, or writing some original praise poetry.
There are journals available that provide a verse or thought daily for one to respond to. Journaling is a very personal process and these may not be appropriate for everyone. Some may prefer or need the structure to get them writing, while others may only become frustrated if they do not have something to say on each day that is Spirit led, yet feel as if they are doing “something wrong” by not answering. If the Spirit is leading you to write about something else, go with that instead of what a page written by someone else is instructing you do. After all, it is your walk with the Lord. If none of these work, the Spirit may just not want to be using the page to speak with you at that particular time, as if to say: “Contemplate things more on your own and see what you discover, and then get back to me”. It is more than all right. God speaks in many ways.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Find a verse or chapter in the Bible that carries special meaning for you. Write down in your journal what emotions or connotations come to mind for you when reading that passage and how it makes you feel in relation to Christ.
2) Consider Psalm 102:18. What is the importance of recording a personal journey with God – for ourselves? For others? Write down your answer if you feel led to.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #3
Last revised: February 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
