The document discusses the challenges of communicating effectively across differences in language, culture, and experience. It notes that communication breaks down due to issues like outdated languages, oral vs. written traditions, human error, varying audiences and goals, and changes in word meanings over time. The document emphasizes that good communication requires understanding one's audience, learning their language, preserving the core message while adapting the method, and knowing the key takeaways. It stresses practicing communication skills to convey meaning effectively when sharing the gospel across contexts.

1. Dog Eating Chicken:
Translating Faith

2. WHAT’S THAT YOU SAY?
What does this mean?
• Joint
• Fun
• Eating in the cafeteria stinks.

3. WHY ISN’T IT CLEAR?
• Punctuation
• Changes over time
• Social/Life Experiences
• Physical components of
communication

4. CHALLENGES IN COMMUNICATING THE WORD
• Old languages
• Written verses oral tradition
• Human error
• Different audiences and goals
• Different word meanings
• Context

5. SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
• What are some of the key things you’ve
heard so far?
• What is the most challenging thing about
communication for you?
• How can language be a barrier to sharing the
gospel?
• How is language an opportunity to share the
gospel?

6. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
“…in our various settings for youth
ministry, as Godbearers we will
have some understanding and
vocabulary to speak consistently
and compellingly about God.”
–Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron
Foster, The Godbearing Life

7. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
“…the skillful communicator
will make connections, build
bridges and do double
exegesis.”
(The Godbearing Life, p. 178)

8. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
Good translation is not only
speaking the words, but
conveying the meaning.

9. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
Translation
vs.
Transmission

10. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
Translation facilitates a
conversation.

11. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
• Know the audience
• Learn the language
• Preserve the message, not the
method
• Know what you really want young
people to take away

12. COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL
Practice!