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Elements of Communication
Cross-cultural interaction and gospel communication require some changes in a leader’s verbal and non-verbal actions. By choosing proper strategies that are relevant to a particular person, it is possible to receive his or her attention to translate the messages more effectively. In the case of James K., it is important to select a proper tone, topics, and body position during the conversation. Considering that the target person is of Chinese origin, who largely follows the traditional values, it is better to have some distance as too close a body position may be uncomfortable for him. At the same time, for the first dialogues with James, it is not appropriate to touch his shoulders or shake hands as it can be viewed as the entry into personal space. While Americans prefer keeping eye contact with others, it is not necessary for the Chinese. A lack of eye contact in the process of communication does not mean that they are not interested.
Speaking of verbal communication regarding James’ cultural values and orientation, the choice of words should be noted. One may suggest that it is not appropriate to begin the communication of the gospel with jokes and laughter. Since he identifies as an atheist, it seems that he has some grounds for such an opinion. Instead, the communicator can start from personal stories related to religion and God. However, the words should not be aggressive, oppressive, or critical as they can spurn the young man. Therefore, the tone of the interaction should not be too enthusiastic, and the speech volume should not be too loud. In another word, the words are to be common and comfortable for the chosen young man.
The delivery of information should be organized according to the key points in middle-sized sentences and mixed with stories of other people as supportive arguments. More pauses can be made to allow James to better understand the messages and ask questions, if necessary. These verbal communication patterns were observed in the speech of James when he was interviewed for the first part of the project. Therefore, it seems to be beneficial to adopt some of them for effective gospel communication. It should also be stressed that colloquial words should not be used as they can lead to misconceptions. For people for whom English is the second language, it can be difficult to understand all the points. The gospel communicator should be aware of the fact that the Chinese are likely to be direct in their interaction with others. It is important to be ready to receive many questions and direct comments.
Strategy for Communication
The preparations for the gospel communication for James should take into account his cultural orientation, communication patterns, and cultural systems. First of all, one should remember that he is from the Chinese culture and values family relationships, stating that they determine people’s lives. Second, it was found that he is a cooperative person, who prefers working in a team, which means that he appreciates building relationships and participating in group discussions. Third, James has a high context culture, which points out that he tends to interpret information, not just passively receive it. In addition, there are the collectivist, socialist, and formal education priorities in the family of the given person. Consequently, the approach to communication is to be crafted in a way that should involve and emphasize the mentioned values. The language and speech manner should be clear and objective so that the person can understand its cohesiveness and concreteness. Depending on his responses, both verbal and non-verbal, it is significant to adjust the speech in the process of gospel communication.
The strategy of contextualization will be used to connect the target person of Chinese culture with Christian teaching. In particular, the ideas and problems that are discussed in the Bible are to be presented in relation to the Chinese society and specifically to the values practiced by James. The interpretation of the points to be discussed will be based on the topics of family, national identity, and is an integral part of society. It is possible to suggest that the parts related to promise-covenant, incarnation, and resurrection would best speak to James. The interview shows that he has some misunderstandings with his family, and these points are likely to make them closer. More to the point, the gospel communication should be accompanied by a focus on the opportunity for a new, more conscious, and faithful life. It will be stressed that to become closer to God, it is important to start accepting Him and learning more about His life, death, prophets, and other details. Also, the practical implementation of knowledge about God and its importance will be clarified to James.
Outline of God’s Story
- Creation. Everything in the world was created by God and works according to His intention. Seven days were spent to make the universe, which is discussed in the book of Genesis (Genesis 1-4). This part of the gospel will be connected to the image of a father in the family.
- Fall-Sin. Adam, who was expected to look after Eden, and Eve show that they are sin spoiled creations. They are gone from Eden to be punished and protected from death since if they stayed, they probably tried the sin again (Genesis 3-13).
- Promise-Covenant. God promises to make Israelis a holy nation if they would follow all His commandments. The story of the Davidic covenant can be told that God fulfilled his promise, which will allow linking this story to the Chinese nation (Samuel 7-17).
- Prophecies. It is better to focus on one prophet: Ezekiel proclaimed to the people of Israel, who were in captivity in Babylon, about the upcoming trials as punishment for errors in the faith and apostasy from God (Ezekiel 37). The Prophet also announced the coming of better times for his captive compatriots, predicting their return to home.
- Virgin Birth. Christ’s mother, Mary, was found with a child from the Holy Spirit. This part of the gospel will focus on explaining the presence of powers that cannot be controlled by people (Matthew 1:18-25).
- Incarnation. The importance of Christmas and the birth of Jesus show that it was a real person (Matthew 1:18-25). The closeness of God to every person can be explained in terms of this point.
- Deity (fully man–fully God). The image of Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples proves that he was God, and He also faced temptation as an ordinary person (Mark 4:36–41; Luke 4:1–13). This story teaches people how to face temptation and overcome it.
- Jesus’ life (person and works). As a son of God, Jesus practiced a humane approach to all the people around him, and he was perceived as Messiah. The demonstration of love is the main theme of this point, for example, the story of how Abraham and his son (Genesis 22).
- Jesus’ Death. This martyrdom showed Christians that they were rescued from sin. It should be stated that even sinful people can be purified for their behaviors and merits (Romans 6:23).
- Resurrection. When people die, they go to heaven, and Christians believe that Easter Day is marked by Jesus’ arousal. The promise of eternal life motivates people to live better and prepare for their being in heaven (John 11:25-26).
- Ascension. In John 20:17, it is noted that Jesus was taken to heaven to be near God. The theme of returning to the family and traditions can be linked to this point.
- Return. According to the Bible, Christ will return to the earth imminently to recompense people for their merits (Revelation 22:12). The nearness of the return reminds believers of the need to be prepared, remaining awake and sober regarding their own lives.
- Reconciliation. Christians should promote the reconciliation of people and God as a response to Jesus’ death (Corinthians 5:18-20). The communicator’s intention to spread the gospel should be explained in terms of being Christ’s ambassador, spreading his saving grace.
- Kingship. The acceptance of Christ’s kinship means the belief that he will reign for a millennium (Isaiah 9:6). The context of the gospel should be discussed as global to encompass all the nations and their protection. Those who will join the Lord can no longer be considered foreigners.
Bibliography
Hiew, Danika N., et al. “Communication and Relationship Satisfaction in Chinese, Western, and Intercultural Chinese –Western Couples.” Journal of Family Psychology 30, no. 2 (2016): 193-202.
Livermore, David, and A. N. G. Soon. Leading with cultural intelligence: The real secret to success. New York, NY: Amacom, 2015.
Zang, Xiaowei. Understanding Chinese Society. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Routledge, 2016.
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