In this episode, we talk about how what it looks like to email like a Christian and how personal efficiency is not necessarily at odds with having a good witness in the workplace.

2:41 – Discuss article on “Emailing Like a Boss”

How the author says her life was changed by responding to emails with shorter answers because it made her more responsive, and let fewer emails slip through the cracks.The author was inspired by seeing emails from top CEOs and politicians when they became public after high-profile email hacks.Mark Cuban is known for this practice.Like to article from BuzzFeed (warning: Language).

7:30 – Discussing the merits of this terse approach to email

Allows you to get more emails answered.But there is a trade-off in personal warmth.Is this practice a good idea for Christians in the workplace?

8:30 – Emailing like a Christian—not a CEO

The Bible has a lot to say about how believers communicate:Quoted Matt. 15:11; 12:34.Regardless of the medium through which Christians communicate, our communication should be markedly Christian.Explained Colossians 4:5–6.The way in which you email is part of your Christian witness in the workplace.

16:41 – Personal efficiency in email is not at odds with loving people in our communication

Often, the most caring thing you can do with email is get back to someone right away, even if that means a shorter, more terse response.Long-winded emails do not equal better emails.

20:12 – The principles behind emailing like a Christian

Be ResponsiveBe ClearBe BriefBe Kind

24:05 – Some examples of emailing like a Christian

29:26 – Conclusion

Personal efficiency is not at odds with painting a good Christian witness. Often it can assist in that. So when it comes to emailing like a Christian the goal is simple: I want to have a good witness for Christ, by being a person who communicates well through email.That means I need to respond in a reasonable time frame. And it means I need to make sure my emails, like all my speech, are always gracious, seasoned with salt.

Links

BuzzFeedNew article referenced: I Tried Emailing Like A CEO And Quite Frankly, It Made My Life BetterOn the blog this week: More information about this podcastAnother blog post on email – How to Handle Ministry Email OverloadReagan’s Stewardship & Productivity Course at The Institute for Church Leadership