A great deal has changed in the way communication is done since I began serving in local churches. With the advent of texting, e-mail, social media, and the Web, our modes of communication have become a hallmark of effectiveness for us, sometimes leading pastors and church leaders to believe that using those forms of communication is a mark of our efficiency and “with-it-ness.” I’m not anti-technology, but I’ve also come to recognize that while there are times to use digital communication, there are also plenty of times to move in a different direction. Here are a few principles I’ve discovered for my own ministry:

1. Text-based communication can be easily misinterpreted.

When I send a text or an e-mail, instead of speaking face-to-face, I am foregoing body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and all of the other variables that power interpersonal communication. Sometimes circumstances force you to use e-mail or text, but when you can see someone in person or make a call, your communication drastically improves. All the more important: When the conversation centers around conflict or has the potential to be emotionally charged, avoid texting or e-mailing at all costs. When my adrenaline is high, I write poorly. When my adrenaline is high, I also read poorly. Many a conflict went on far too long because the invested parties refused to meet face-to-face.

2. Don’t rely upon digital communication—especially social media—to recruit volunteers.

When you post that you need three more volunteers to work the registration desk for your upcoming event, you are slicing yourself with a double-edged sword. Edge Number One: The only individuals who will respond are those who are most likely already overworked. Edge Number Two: You (not-so) subtly communicate to your church that you are either unorganized or too lazy to recruit face-to-face. Sure, we all end up in times where we need last minute help, but you’re better served to send an e-mail or—even better—make some calls. This doesn’t mean you can’t use social media at all, but it does mean that it should be part of a multi-faced recruitment strategy.

3. Text messages are the lowest level of pastoral care.

Do I send text messages to those who I think need to hear from me? Absolutely. But they are not the best way to provide pastoral support. The hierarchy of pastoral care communication is as follows:

In person
Someone else, in person
Video call
Phone call
E-mail/Text Message

If it is important, and if your schedule allows, go in person. If you can’t go, turn to other staff, deacons, elders, volunteers. A personal touch is always best in essential pastoral care situations. If that isn’t possible, only then turn to “out-of-body” communication forms. Video calls are better than phone calls are better than text messages and e-mails. Why? Because voice inflection communicates so very much.

These three principles have served me well over the years. I’m reminded that God, in His wisdom, gave us Jesus—in person. He knew that we needed incarnational ministry. He wired us as such. We have a Savior who is present with us now, available to us, personally. Each of us craves personal attention—specifically face-to-face. As pastors and church leaders, we would do well to adopt the communication strategy of Jesus as often as possible—to be physically present.