Christian Communication: Models of Communication

Models of communication

a. Meaning of communication models

Models of communication are conceptual models used to explain the human communication process. The first major model for communication came in 1949 and was conceived by Claude Elwood Sh

annon and Warren Weaver for Bell Laboratories. Following the basic concept, communication is the process of sending and receiving messages or transferring information from one part (sender) to another (receiver).

 b. Types of Communication models

       I.          Stimulus response model

This model is the most basic model in communication. This is show communication as an action - reaction process. This model think that verbal words, inverbal signs, pictures, and actions will stimulate other people to give the response in some ways. You can also say that this process is a moving information or ideas. This process could be interactive and have a lot of effect. Every single effect could change another act of communication in the next level. This model ignore that communication is a process. In other words, communication is considered as a static thing.

    II.          The Shannon-Weaver Mathematical model

In 1948, Shannon was an American mathematician, Electronic engineer and Weaver was an American scientist both of them join together to write an article in “Bell System Technical Journal” called “A Mathematical Theory of Communication” and also called as “Shannon-Weaver model of communication”

 This model is specially designed to develop the effective communication between sender and receiver. Also they find factors which affecting the communication process called “Noise”. At first the model was developed to improve the Technical communication. Later it’s widely applied in the field of Communication.

 The model deals with various concepts like Information source, transmitter, Noise, channel, message, receiver, channel, information destination, encode and decode.

  III.          Schramm’s interactive model

It is a Circular Model, so that communication is something circular in nature

Encoder – Who does encoding or Sends the message (message originates)

Decoder – Who receives the message

Interpreter – Person trying to understand (analyses, perceive) or interpret

Note: From the message starting to ending, there is an interpretation goes on. Based on this interpretation only the message is received.

 This model breaks the sender and receiver model it seems communication in a practical way. It is not a traditional model.

 It can happen within our self or two people; each person acts as both sender and receiver and hence use interpretation. It is simultaneously take place e.g. encoding, interpret and decoding.

Semantic noise is a concept introduced here it occurs when sender and receiver apply different meaning to the same message. It happens mostly because of words and phrases for e.g. Technical Language, So certain words and phrases will cause you to deviate from the actual meaning of the communication.

Note: When semantic noise takes place decoding and interpretation becomes difficult and people get deviated from the actual message.

 IV.          Berlo’s SMCR Model

 S – Source

The source in other words also called the sender is the one from whom the thought originates. He is the one who transfers the information to the receiver after carefully putting his thoughts into words.

 How does the source or the sender transfer his information to the recipient ?

It is done with the help of communication skills, Attitude, Knowledge, Social System and Culture.

 Communication Skills

An individual must possess excellent communication skills to make his communication effective and create an impact among the listeners. The speaker must know where to take pauses, where to repeat the sentences, how to speak a particular sentence, how to pronounce a word and so on. The speaker must not go on and on. He should also make a point to cross check with the recipients and listen to their queries as well. An individual must take care of his accent while communicating. A bad accent leads to a boring conversation.

 Attitude

It is rightly said that if one has the right attitude, the whole world is at his feet. There is actually no stopping for the person if he has the right attitude. A person might be a very good speaker but if he doesn’t have the right attitude, he would never emerge as a winner. The sender must have the right attitude to create a long lasting impression on the listeners. An individual must be an MBA from a reputed institute, but he would be lost in the crowd without the right attitude.

 Knowledge

Here knowledge is not related to the educational qualification of the speaker or the number of degrees he has in his portfolio. Knowledge is actually the clarity of the information which the speaker wants to convey to the second party. One must be thorough in what he is speaking with complete in-depth knowledge of the subject. Remember questions can pop up anytime and you have to be ready with your answers. You need to be totally familiar with what you are speaking. Before delivering any speech, read as much you can and prepare the subject completely without ignoring even the smallest detail.

 Social System

Imagine a politician delivering a speech where he proposes to construct a temple in a Muslim dominated area. What would be the reaction of the listeners ? They would obviously be not interested. Was there any problem in the communication skills of the leader or he didn’t have the right attitude ? The displeasure of the listeners was simply because the speaker ignored the social set up of the place where he was communicating. He forgot the sentiments, cultural beliefs, religious feelings of the second party. Had it been a Hindu dominated society, his speech would have been very impressive.

 Culture

Culture refers to the cultural background of the community or the listeners where the speaker is communicating or delivering his speech.

 M – Message

When an individual converts his thoughts into words, a message is created. The process is also called as Encoding.

 Any message further comprises of the following elements:

 Content

One cannot show his grey matter to others to let him know what he is thinking. A thought has to be put into words and content has to be prepared. Content is actually the matter or the script of the conversation. It is in simpler words, the backbone of any communication.

 Element

It has been observed that speech alone cannot bring a difference in the communication. Keep on constantly speaking and the listeners will definitely lose interest after some time. The speech must be coupled with lots of hand movements, gestures, postures, facial expressions, body movements to capture the attention of the listeners and make the speech impressive. Hand movements, gestures, postures, facial expressions, body movements, gestures all come under the elements of the message.

 Treatment

Treatment is actually the way one treats his message and is conveys to the listeners. One must understand the importance of the message and must know how to handle it. If a boss wants to fire any of his employees, he has to be authoritative and can’t express his message in a casual way. This is referred to as the treatment of the message. One must understand how to present his message so that the message is conveyed in the most accurate form.

 Structure

A message cannot be expressed in one go. It has to be properly structured in order to convey the message in the most desired form.

 Code

Enter a wrong code and the locks will never open. Enter a wrong password, you will not be able to open your email account. In the same way the code has to be correct in the communication. Your body movements, your language, your expressions, your gestures are actually the codes of the message and have to be accurate otherwise the message gets distorted and the recipient will never be able to decode the correct information.

 C – Channel

Channel - Channel actually refers to the medium how the information flows from the sender to the receiver.

How does one know what the other person is speaking ? - Through Hearing.

How does one know whether the pasta he has ordered is made in white sauce or not ? - Through Tasting.

How does one know that there is a diversion ahead or it’s a no parking zone? - Through Seeing.

How will an individual come to know that the food is fresh or stale ? How do we find out the fragrance of a perfume? - Through Smelling.

How will you find out whether the milk is hot or not ? - Through Touching.

All the five senses are the channels which help human beings to communicate with each other.

 R – Receiver

When the message reaches the receiver, he tries to understand what the listener actually wants to convey and then responds accordingly. This is also called as decoding.

The receiver should be on the same platform as the speaker for smooth flow of information and better understanding of the message. He should possess good communication skills to understand what the speaker is trying to convey. He should have the right attitude to understand the message in a positive way. His knowledge should also be at par with the listener and must know about the subject. He should also be from the same social and cultural background just like the speaker.

 There are several loopholes in the Berlo’s model of communication. According to the berlo’s model of communication, the speaker and the listener must be on a common ground for smooth conversion which is sometimes not practical in the real scenario.

 

   V.          Gerbner’s Model

Mr. George Gerbner is one of the pioneers in the field of communication research. His works are descriptive as well as very easy to understand any other before. He is working as a professor and head of the Annenberg School of Communications in the University of Pennsylvania.  In 1956, Gerbner attempted the general purpose of communication models. He stressed the dynamic nature of communication in his work and also the factor which affecting the reliability of communication.

 5. Barriers to communication and their solutions (Text book ah a um)

1. Mechanical

Breakdown of equipments involving communication. Defective equipments etc.

2. Environmental

When the community or environment we live do not provide us with full freedom to exercise our rights.

3. Cultural

Difference in culture and traditions

4. Linguistic

Difference in language

5. Psychological

Attitudes

 

Communication Studies for Christian Ministry: Types of Communication

 Types of communication

 a. Intrapersonal communication

Communication within oneself – thinking, calculating, planning, imagining, recollecting and other unconscious activities. In Christian life: Personal prayer/meditation, worship, preaching.

 b. Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication is where it's at for building those awesome one-one connections! It's all about how we exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and nonverbal messages in face-to-face interactions.

• Building and Maintaining Relationships: It's the foundation for all your close relationships! Through interpersonal communication, you share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which helps build intimacy, trust, and understanding with friends, family, and romantic partners. It's how you really get to know someone.
• Conflict Resolution: When disagreements pop up (and they always do!), good interpersonal communication is key to sorting things out. Being able to express your perspective calmly, actively listen to others, and find common ground helps resolve conflicts constructively instead of letting them fester.
• Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: The way you interact with others reflects back on you! Through conversations and feedback, you learn more about yourself, your communication style, and how others perceive you. This can be super helpful for personal development and becoming a more effective communicator.
• Influence and Persuasion: Whether you're trying to convince a friend to see a movie or collaborate on a project, strong interpersonal communication skills help you articulate your ideas effectively, understand others' motivations, and influence outcomes in a positive way

 c. Group communication

• Achieving Shared Goals: Groups come together to get things done, whether it's a project at work, a community initiative, or even just planning a get-together with friends. Effective communication ensures everyone is on the same page, understands their roles, and works collaboratively towards that common objective.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: When multiple minds come together, you get diverse perspectives! Group communication allows for brainstorming, debating ideas, and analyzing problems from different angles, leading to more robust decisions and creative solutions than individuals might come up with alone.
• Building Cohesion and Morale: Good communication fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie within a group. When members feel heard, respected, and involved, it boosts morale and strengthens the group's unity, making it more resilient and productive.
• Sharing Information and Knowledge: Groups are often formed to pool expertise. Communication provides the channels for members to share their knowledge, insights, and updates, which is crucial for learning, innovation, and keeping everyone informed about progress or changes.

 d. Folk communication (folk media)

Folk communication, also known as folk media, refers to traditional forms of communication deeply rooted in local culture and passed down through generations. Unlike modern mass media, folk media uses indigenous practices like dance, theater, music, storytelling, and visual arts. These forms are integral to community life, preserving cultural identity, promoting social cohesion, and carrying the wisdom of the past into present conversations.

• Folk narratives

Folk narratives are traditional stories passed down orally through generations. They often include cultural lessons, entertain listeners, and explain aspects of life, nature, or history. They typically have simple plots and teach important moral lessons. 

Types of folk narratives include:

• Fairy Tales: Stories with magical elements, enchanted beings, and often moral lessons. Examples include Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel. 
• Legends: Stories about the past that are often considered factual by those who tell them, sometimes with a basis in historical fact, and may include magical or supernatural elements. 
• Myths: Sacred narratives explaining the origins of the world, natural phenomena, or cultural practices, often involving gods or supernatural beings. 
• Fables: Stories with animal characters that aim to teach a moral lesson. 
• Trickster Tales: Feature clever protagonists who use wit to overcome obstacles, often explaining natural phenomena or social customs with humor. Br'er Rabbit and Coyote stories are examples.

 Folk Speech/tales

·        (1) Folk Speech: This refers to the traditional, often informal, verbal expressions unique to a particular group or region. It's more than just language; it's the specific ways people use language to express themselves, share wisdom, and build connections. Think of it as the everyday, unwritten rules and forms of communication that get passed down.

·        (2) Proverbs and Sayings: Short, traditional sayings that express a general truth or piece of advice. For example, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." These are little capsules of wisdom communicated efficiently.

·        (3) Riddles: Puzzles or questions phrased in a cunning way, designed to test wit. They are often used for entertainment, education, and bonding.

·    (4) Jokes and Anecdotes: Short, humorous stories or personal accounts that reflect cultural attitudes, social observations, or simply provide entertainment.

·        (5) Specialized Vocabulary and Dialect: Unique words, phrases, or accents that identify members of a particular group or community. While not strictly "folk media" in the performance sense, it's a vital part of folk communication that fosters identity and belonging.

Communication Studies for Christian Ministry: Forms and different Communication

 Forms of communication

Verbal: face-to-face, telephone, radio or television and other media.

Nonverbal: body language, gestures, how we dress or act - even our scent.

Different approaches to communication

a. Communication as a process

Communication is a social process like any other processes such as urbanization, industrialization etc. It is an ongoing process in which people engage themselves as individuals or as mass in sharing, creating, sending and receiving meanings.

Frank Dance: Communication is a process by which sender and receivers of messages interact in a given social context.

R. Williams: Communication is a process in which ideas, information and attitudes are transmitted and received.

 b. Communication as ritual

The ritual view of communication is a communications theory proposed by James W. Carey, wherein communication–the construction of a symbolic reality–represents, maintains, adapts, and shares the beliefs of a society in time. In short, the ritual view conceives communication as a process that enables and enacts societal transformation.

 Carey defines the ritual view particularly in terms of sharing, participation, association, and fellowship. In addition, Carey acknowledges that, commonness, communion, and community, naturally correspond with the ritual view. In a similar way, the term "ritual" holds religious connotations. For Carey, this connection to religion helps to emphasize the concept of shared beliefs and ceremony that are fundamental to the ritual view.

  c. Communication as personal benefit

• Stronger Relationships: Good communication builds trust, understanding, and empathy in all your personal connections, from family to friends. It helps you avoid misunderstandings and deepens your bonds. 
• Improved Mental and Emotional Well-being: Being able to express yourself clearly and openly can reduce anxiety and stress. It also helps you manage your emotions better and develop empathy for others, which is huge for your overall emotional health. 
• Better Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: When you communicate effectively, you can clearly frame problems, ask the right questions, and discuss options, which leads to better solutions and informed decisions, whether at home or at work. 
• Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Practicing good communication helps you express your needs and ideas with confidence, making you feel more capable and competent. This can even open up new opportunities!

 d. Communication as social, political and cultural issues

• Shaping Social Norms and Values: Communication, especially through media and social platforms, influences what societies consider normal, acceptable, and valuable. It can either reinforce existing norms or challenge them, driving social change and affecting power structures and inequalities. 
• Driving Political Discourse and Engagement: In the political sphere, communication has been totally transformed by digital platforms. Social media has become a central arena for political discourse, election campaigns, and civic engagement. It allows politicians to connect directly with constituents, but also brings challenges like the spread of misinformation and increased political polarization. 
• Cultural Understanding and Barriers: Culture profoundly impacts how we communicate. Things like language styles, nonverbal cues, values, and beliefs all shape how messages are sent and received. Understanding and respecting these cultural differences is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and build stronger collaboration in our increasingly interconnected world.

Principles of Communications

Section II: Principles of communication

1. General Principles

1. Communication as fundamental human rights

Communication must be lifted up as a fundamental human right and communicators called to practise an ethics of freedom and accountability. Freedom of expression must be respected and community groups assured access to technology and to media platform.

2. Freedom of speech and expression
3. Liberation, equality, balance in communication

2. Biblical models of communication

1. God as the communicating God

Hriet theina dinga tiem ringawt ding: God enters our world, that God speaks to us, and that we can respond. "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets, but in these last days God has spoken to us through God's Son" (Heb. 1:1f). We believe and we tell each other that God speaks to us through visible creation, through the events of our lives, through the words of scripture, through our churches, and through the signs of the times. These are avenues of God's speech to us, and if we pay attention, we can come to recognize what/how God is communicating with us through them.

But what does this all really mean? Are these messages, coming from all these various sources, like little notes placed in bottles floating up to our shore from some distant island where someone is trying to reach us? "No," we answer, "it is not like that. God communicates with us personally. The realm of God is within us."

We believe that God speaks to us personally and uniquely, person to person. But how does this happen when God does not have vocal chords and use sound waves? In the Bible, many people seemed to receive God's communication as if sound waves were used. God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. Mary received a visit from an angel. Paul was struck down on the road to Damascus and heard Jesus' voice. On the other hand, when we consider people we know who listen to God's communication, we are aware that they are not talking about sound waves and speech patterns. In addition, some of our mental institutions have people within their walls who claim that they literally hear God's voice and their experience is treated as hallucinatory. So when we 'listen' to God's word, are we not using a metaphor (which is a form of an analogy)?

2. Creation as God’s communication

The Creator speaks through what He creates. Here’s how one poet puts it: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Ps. 19:1-4, NKJV). There’s a continual communication going on from God through His created life (day and night). And though you can’t hear an audible voice, there is a revealed message from God that circles the globe. Wherever there’s creation, there’s communication from God.

3. Revelation through important events

4. Prophets and kings as God’s media of communication

5. Incarnation as God’s communication

6. Jesus and communication

The Bible shows us that Jesus used different ways to communicate, or share information. His communication was limited to few forms, due to lack of technology.

Types of Communication: In John 8, we see that Jesus wrote on the ground before a group of Scribes and Pharisees. We are able to gather that Jesus could write, but in most of the biblical accounts, He chose to communicate by using spoken words. Just as today, the spoken word conveys a more personal message. Jesus understood that to make a personal connection, we must use the power of voice and person-to-person contact. Voice and person-to-person contact are not independent of one another, but rely on each to establish a personal relationship with others.

Establishing Personal Connections and Relationships: One of the first things Jesus did when He began His ministry on earth was to call 12 disciples, 12 men whom He would mentor. These men had the most intimate knowledge and relationship with Jesus. In fact, Jesus modeled how to establish close relationships by interacting with the disciples, creating personal connections with each of them in such a way that they would go on to tell His story for all to hear. Personal connections carry great weight in the effort to get a message across. People are much more likely to listen to those with whom they have a personal relationship, like their friends, family, and pastors. Sometimes words alone are simply not enough.

Reaching Out to Those in Need: Throughout the ministry of Jesus, we are able to see His healing power; He healed many sick and crippled. We notice in the Bible that every time Jesus healed a person, He spoke. He knew that people needed to hear His voice just as much as they needed healing.  With so many people in need of healing and salvation, Jesus used what was available to get His message out. Jesus understood that it was imperative not to stop with the initial message and that it was just as important, if not more, to follow up with the personal touch.

7. Apostles and their methods of communication – verbal and written

3. Different statements of communication principles by World Association of Christian Communication (WACC)

• Communication is a spiritual exercise
• Communication builds and shapes community
• Communication enhances participation
• Communication promotes freedom and demands accountability
• Communication celebrates cultural diversity
• Communication builds connectedness
• Communication affirms justice and challenges injustice

Communication Studies for Christian Ministry: Meaning and Scope

Meaning of Communication

Definitions

The word communication is derived from the Latin root word communis which means common and from the word communicare which means ‘to share, to impart or to have something in common.’ In everyday use, communication means making common or sharing something by two or more persons or groups or persons.

McLaughlin: Communication is the sharing of information for the purpose of affecting the receiver in some predetermined way.

D.S. Dahiya: Communication literally means sharing of ideas in common.

Joseph Devito: When we communicate, we establish ‘commonness’ with someone.

As information dissemination

Reuben Ray: Communication is the transfer of information, ideas, understanding or feelings among people.

As sharing

Denis McQuail: Communication is a process which increases commonality.

 Scope

The scope of communication can be evaluated and analysed from different point of views.

 The Social dimensions

Communication helps to ensure the social enlightenment of the people. It really plays a vital role in the determination of the social behaviour of the human being. It motivates the people according to their own interest and makes them aware of the hazards as well as beneficial things. It works as an instructor and means of transformation in the fast changing society.

 The educational dimensions

Communication system is the part and parcel in educating the people. The various tools that we use in mass communication work as instructors to the people who are in search of knowledge. The educational objectives of modern communication system are increasing day by day.

 Organisational dimensions

Communication has a vital role in the organisational structure of a system for the smooth functioning. All the three levels of management- strategic, tactical, and operational- depend on the transfer of messages done through the communicative techniques.

 Cultural dimensions

Communication provides an opportunity for the promotion and preservation of culture and traditions. It makes the people fulfill their creative urges. The cultural settings of a particular society can be known to the public through communication. Communication helps to spread the cultures into different areas.

 Entertainment dimensions

Communication opens a wide possibility of entertainment to the people. It begins from the interpersonal communication to the vast ocean of mass communication. The scope of films, drama, music, comedy etc is really wide in the entertaining aspect of it.  

 Integrative dimensions

Communication is the one which connect people from different parts of the world. It develops integration and tolerance towards each other. The different cultures are merged together through the medium of communication. It integrates different people from the different background of the world. It works as a source of persuasion.

Importance, Ethical Issues and Communication Skills in Christian Ministries

Section III: Importance of communication in Christian ministry

1. Communication in worship and preaching

Phuok fawm el ding

2. Worship as communication

Every Christian needs the fellowship which is available in the corporate worship experience. The word fellowship carries with it the idea of partnership. The partnership is a two-way relationship with God and with one's fellow Christians.

Relationship Worship made a difference in the life of the prophet Isaiah. During worship God revealed to him God's position and person. When Isaiah saw God as he really is, he saw his own need for God and received cleansing. After finding a right relationship with God, Isaiah was ready to volunteer for the task which God had for him. It is likely that Isaiah would never have become the prophet that God needed him to be apart from this worship experience.

Worship, also, is important to encourage one another. If we are to accomplish what God would have us to do, it is essential that there be comrades in the church who will provide inspiration and hope when things seem to be dragging. Individuals with this type of positive attitude can mean much in the life of the church.

Partnership Many are defeated in Christian life because they have abandoned the assembling, where they can't see the shining examples of dedicated men and women who hold fast to their faith and live their lives in the splendor and courage of Christ himself. Corporate worship allows for individuals to have opportunities to know what God is doing in the lives of others.

Worship is partnership. Some go to listen, but not to contribute. They miss out on the partnership. Worship involves communication with God and with other believers. It is a source of new perspective, renewed purpose, clarified sense of calling, and increased energy for the spiritual warfare.

In worship we communicate with God in preparation for communicating with the "outside" world. Our communication with others then can take on the divine perspective demonstrated in the example of the Lord Jesus. Let us "have the mind of Christ."

3. Communication in preaching

Phuok thei

4. Communication in counseling – speaking, silence and listening
5. Home visits, family programmes as communication
6. Important events as communication situations – birthday, baptism, conformations, ordination, sickness, bereavement etc.
7. Homilies for different occasions such as wedding, funeral, memorial services etc

Homily: A sermon on a moral or religious topic

8. Communication in pluralistic contexts
9. The reality of cultural plurality today

Cultural pluralism is the dynamic by which minority groups participate fully in the dominant society, yet maintain their cultural differences. A pluralistic society is one where different groups can interact while showing a certain degree of tolerance for one another, where different cultures can coexist without major conflicts, and where minority cultures are encouraged to uphold their customs.

10. Awareness and respects of people of other cultures

Section IV: Ethical issues in communication

1. Communication and ethical issues

1. Freedom of thought and expression (information ethics)

Information ethics has been defined as "the branch of ethics that focuses on the relationship between the creation, organization, dissemination, and use of information, and the ethical standards and moral codes governing human conduct in society".

2. Censorship
3. Violence and sex
4. Identity and anonymity
5. Copyright and plagiarism

2. Christian ethical response

1. Bringing awareness of communitarian values

Communitarianism is a philosophy that emphasizes the connection between the individual and the community. Although the community might be a family unit, communitarianism usually is understood, in the wider, philosophical sense, as a collection of interactions, among a community of people in a given place (geographical location), or among a community who share an interest or who share a history. Communitarian philosophy is derived from the assumption that a person's individuality is the product of community relationships, rather than a product derived only from personal traits.

2. Solidarity with the weak and vulnerable in society
3. New patterns for Christian communication (ei hriet naw hle)

Section V: Developing communication skills for Christian ministry

1. Importance of language for communication
2. Skills training for different types of communication

Public speaking, leadership etc

3. Use of different media tools

Print media – newspapers and books

Electronic media – radio, cinema, television, computer and the internet, telecommunication etc

Alternative media – folk arts etc