Improving Analogies and Examples in Ministry Communication
The use of analogies and similitudes in ministry communication is a biblically attested practice. The prophet Hosea records God stating, "I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes" (Hosea 12:10 ASV) [1]. This verse indicates that God Himself employed illustrative language through His prophets to convey His messages.
Ministers of the Gospel are called to be diligent in their work, not necessarily to introduce novel concepts, but to remind believers of established truths [2]. To effectively communicate these truths, ministers are encouraged to take heed to their doctrine, ensuring it aligns with Scripture and the teachings of Christ and His apostles [3]. This includes carefully meditating on spiritual matters, much like food requires digestion to nourish the body; spiritual food needs prayerful meditation to be appropriated [6].
The role of a minister is often compared to that of a messenger or ambassador. Malachi 2:7 describes priests as having "knowledge of the law" and being "messenger of... Lord," interpreting His will. Similarly, ministers are called "ambassadors of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) [5]. In this capacity, effective communication involves breaking down the "bread of life"—rightly dividing the word of truth—and providing portions suited to the capacities and states of the hearers [7]. This suggests a need for clarity and relatable explanations, which analogies can provide.
Furthermore, ministers are encouraged to work together, as seen in Jesus sending out His disciples "by two and two," which Adam Clarke interprets as a means to encourage and support each other, emphasizing that unity among ministers is essential for promoting truth [4]. This collaborative spirit can also extend to sharing effective communication strategies, including the use of analogies. A minister should also take the "bread of life" himself first, drawing on divine blessing for himself and his hearers before attempting to feed others [7].
Sources
- Hosea “Hosea 12:10 (ASV) — I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 4:6: The apostle would have Timothy to instil into the minds of Christians such sentiments as might prevent their being seduced by the judaizing teachers. Observe, Those are good ministers of Jesus Christ who are diligent in their work; not that study to advance new notions, but that put the brethren in remembrance of those things which they have received and heard. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you knew them, Pe2 1:12. And elsewhere, I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance, Pe2 3:1. And, says the a”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 4:15: Take heed unto thyself,.... Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in Ti1 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his apostles, and accordin”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 6:7: By two and two - That they might encourage and support each other; and to show that union among the ministers of the Gospel is essential to the promotion of the cause of truth. See on Luk 10:1 (note).”
- Malachi (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Malachi 2:7: In doing so (Mal 2:6) he did his duty as a priest, "for," &c. knowledge--of the law, its doctrines, and positive and negative precepts (Lev 10:10-11; Deu 24:8; Jer 18:18; Hag 2:11). the law--that is, its true sense. messenger of . . . Lord--the interpreter of His will; compare as to the prophets, Hag 1:13. So ministers are called "ambassadors of Christ" (Co2 5:20); and the bishops of the seven churches in Revelation, "angels" or messengers (Rev 2:1, Rev 2:8, Rev 2:12, Rev 2:18; Rev 3:1, Rev 3:7, Rev 3:14; compare Gal 4:14).”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:15: Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are chan”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 9:16: Then he took the five loaves - A minister of the Gospel, who is employed to feed souls, should imitate this conduct of Christ: 1. He ought to exhort the people to hear with sedate and humble reverence. 2. He should first take the bread of life himself, that he may be strengthened to feed others. 3. He ought frequently to lift his soul to God, in order to draw down the Divine blessing on himself and his hearers. 4. He should break the loaves - divide rightly the word of truth, and give to all such portions as are suited to their capacities and states. 5. What he cannot”