“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15b).
When was the last time someone asked you to give a reason for the hope you have? Someone that inquired into why you love the way you do, why you’re so sympathetic, compassionate and humble?
If you’re like me, this doesn’t happen a lot. Scratch that, I can’t remember the last time it happened. But if I’m reading 1 Peter 3 correctly, it sure seems like a chunk of this chapter is dedicated toward coaching me about how to respond—how to communicate—in the midst of inquisition, persecution, suffering and evil.
So if I know how to respond, the only way to practice flexing this muscle is to get in the game. Put me in, coach! Yet how many of us, myself included, continue to hide behind our responsibilities, talents and “calling,” rarely confronted by the evil out there? This must change.
I’m convinced that the more you and I (and the people in our churches) are asked about the hope we have within, the better we’ll be able to communicate to our communities. We’ll spend less time fighting over fonts, colors and photos, and more time figuring out how to get people inquiring about the audacity of our hope.
I imagine the inquiries into our hope will come primarily when the protagonist (hope-filled) is confronted with the antagonist (hope-deferred). Without this collision, there would be no conflict. Without conflict, there is no story. And without a story, there is little need for Photoshop.
So let’s get out there and listen for the question… Why are you so hopeful?
Mike Sims
January 19, 2011
Thanks for this, Brad.
It serves as great inspiration for me as I work to prepare a “vision speech” for my creative staff. I am going to start my talk my discussing motives – what’s our motivation for working in church communications? It’s kind of the same question as the scripture above, but I like the scripture better because it assumes that we have hope. Where are we without it?
Again, great work. Keep it coming!
Mike Sims
Communications Director
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
The Woodlands, TX
tom
January 19, 2011
I usually get asked why I am so irritated, which is a lead into the world being sinful and fallen, tom
Paul Hickernell
January 20, 2011
Love your challenge. I need to remember I am to be the walking story of what Jesus has done in my life. People love a good story. I shouldn’t be so afraid to share what jesus has done to me. thanks again.
David Bunce
January 26, 2011
Exactly. I was taking this angle in a blog post I wrote a few weeks back. Basically, I argued that church web design should fundamentally be an exercise in theology. We’re not selling a BBQ ticket or other such event: we are telling the story of what the living God is doing in our community and in our world.
In designing a website, we are talking about the Triune God acting in the world and inviting people to come and join the community that worships Him in word and deed.
Feel free to check out the blog for a more extended viewpoint: I don’t want to bore you all here!
Matt
June 22, 2011
Thank your for this entry Brad –
your words are true – it is good to take personal inventory and ask if no one is asking me the reason for my hope…….then why?
Good stuff.