In his new book What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary (Baker), James Emery White stresses the importance of relevance in effective communication. He says, “Being relevant has nothing to do with watering down the truth of the gospel. It has nothing to do with removing all references to sin, the cross or commitment. It does not mean having to stay with topical messages that deal solely with issues such as parenting, family, marriage, self-image and relationships. All I’m suggesting is to avoid giving a 19th or 20th century message to a 21st century audience.
“There are three ways a message should be relevant. The first has to do with your sermon topics. They really should address people’s life issues and questions about the faith. That doesn’t mean you only talk about what they want you to talk about — they don’t know that they need the whole counsel of God brought to bear on their life. But it does mean that you try to bring as much of the counsel of God as you can to them through the door of their interests…
“A second area for relevance has to do with your sermon illustrations. Your stories, anecdotes, quotes and analogies need to be as fresh and current as possible. If you’re going to reference a movie, make it a recent one; if you’re going to reference a TV show, make it one that’s hot now. Keep on top of current events and cultural happenings…
“Finally, use language and terms that are relevant. The English language is constantly evolving and changing, and the words we use to express ourselves are constantly changing. I don’t think we should try to be trendy or faddish; just try to talk and explain things in ways that people can understand, using analogies and phrases and vocabulary they can relate to. Put what you say in their language, in their terms, on their turf. Too many pastors speak in ways that don’t communicate in real life.”