Before you embark on a summer vacation, I would like to share with you an inspiring chat with a compelling communicator.
Egil Svartdahl is a preacher, author, and TV host in Norway, known as the “TV pastor.” He has served as a pastor for several Pentecostal churches and is a highly sought-after speaker, including for businesses.
When it comes to effectively communicating Christianity's core message, Egil is a hero of mine. Here’s my interview with him, which you will also find in my book “Rebranding the Church.”
The interview
Me: In your opinion, what are the main selling points of the Gospel?
Egil Svartdahl: I often begin by acknowledging that we all have existential needs and ponder existential questions. These questions are universal and have been asked by people throughout history. They include inquiries such as “Where do I come from?” “What happens when I die?” “Is there a purpose to life?” “Is there a God?” “And if there is a God, does this God have any relevance to my life?”
These conversations are already taking place within you and within all people. When I communicate, I start from the assumption that you have already begun this conversation, that you have these existential needs and have asked these questions. I aim to establish a connection between these questions and the nature of God through Jesus Christ. That is what I strive to unite.
The Christian church asserts that Jesus not only provides answers to your existential questions but also fulfills your existential needs.
We must meet people where they are, addressing the questions they are already seeking answers to, to share the Gospel effectively.
Me: Based on your experience, what characterizes congregations and churches that successfully grow their membership and connect with modern audiences?
ES: I am less concerned with the communication at the central church level. What truly matters is whether the church members, the Christians themselves, find value in what they receive, who they are, and what they do. If they genuinely appreciate it, they will naturally want to share it with those they know and care for.
While the messages conveyed through mediums like television, radio, and social media are essential, it is even more crucial that Christians willingly and eagerly share their beliefs with their colleagues and neighbors.
The key to effective leadership and a flourishing congregation is creating an environment where members connect closely to God and find the teachings relevant. These are the two essential elements—closeness to God, and relevance to life.
Growth occurs when people feel compelled to share their beliefs with those they care about. If I had a specific budget that could be used to train either ten speakers or a hundred conversationalists, I would prioritize the conversationalists. We should communicate the Gospel through the church, not above the heads of the church’s members.
Me: If you were faced with a room full of church leaders and Christian organization leaders struggling to connect with audiences and increase their membership, what one piece of advice would you offer them?
ES: Firstly, I would challenge the assumption that the communication of the Gospel should solely take place within the church, confined to a worship service with its established format. We often become attached to the traditional ways of presenting the Gospel, which can hinder our ability to reach new people.
Therefore, I would encourage Christian leaders to honestly assess whether the church is an effective meeting place and if the worship service format is genuinely impactful. Significant progress can occur if we rethink where and how we gather.
This is perhaps what Jesus meant when he instructed the disciples, who had been fishing all night without success, to cast their nets on the other side. If attempts to reach people within the church have proven unsuccessful, it may be worth trying outside the church.
Indeed, there is always room for improvement in delivering the Gospel and communication strategies. However, my initial challenge to leaders would be to focus on the meeting place and format.
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Wishing you a fantastic summer! All the best,
Peder
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