Examining the Talk in Organizational Communication:
A Christian Perspective
Seminar Course – 1 hour
Instructors: Rebecca Rhoades and Nancy Pace-Miller
Phone Numbers (respectively) Ext 8124 and Ext. 7376
Course Description: This seminar challenges young men and women to embrace God’s
call on their lives within their specific profession. More than a business or
communication class, this seminar combines interdisciplinary axioms, addressing the
most poignant needs in organizations today from a Christian perspective and an
individual responsibility.
This course is about understanding that one’s view of work links your work to God. It is
both theological and practical.
“First, we must remember the distinction between the individual (or particular) calling and the corporate
(or general) calling. Selfishness prefers the first, but stewardship respects both. The individual calling is
that part of our life-response to God that we make as unique individuals. As we have seen, our individual
callings are unique simply because each of us is unique. The corporate calling, on the other hand, is that
part of our life-response to God that we undertake in common with all other followers of Christ.”
-- Os Guinness
This seminar is designed to cross all disciplines, and is intended especially for students
who aspire to lead. (Recommended LEAD 496). Part of the learning experience will be
the interaction of cross-disciplined students who see communication from different
perspectives. It is the desire of the instructors to teach concepts that will enhance the
students’ professional and spiritual lives as they begin their varying careers.
This seminar is structured to be a gap course (elective). The course would be offered on
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon (three consecutive weekends).
Seminar Development: Researchers Hafer and Hoth surveyed 37 companies,
representing a broad range of industries, from manufacturing to public service. They
asked employment officers in those companies to rate a list of characteristics according to
how important those characteristics are in their hiring. Oral communication skills ranked
number one on the list of eleven. Written communication skills appear at number eleven.
Other characteristics such as initiative, assertiveness, loyalty, and enthusiasm (all
communication behaviors) ranked within the top eleven.
Clearly the need to develop communication skills is essential for anyone in any
profession. Inasmuch, young men and women need to develop communication skills in
light of their Christian worldview and to see that their “talk” is their relationship with
God – in their vocations and in their daily lives.
Issues such as ethics, conflict, diversity, nonverbal communication, evil in the workplace,
power, recognition, confrontation and many others should be addressed from what it
means to be a Christian communicator in the work force.
Seminar Format: This class will take a seminar-style format. Teaching methods will
include lecture, practical application, small group interaction, role-playing, interviews,
and guest lectures. The class will be presented in an atmosphere of trust. Great emphasis
will be placed on the rhetoric of what it means to fulfill one’s call in the work place.
Text:
Sherman, D. & Hendricks, W. (1987). Your Work Matters to God. NavPress: Colorado
Springs, CO.
You are required to have read the text, Your Work Matters to God, prior to the first class
session. Additional handouts will be given and are required reading as well.
The instructors will create practice activities that will enhance the lessons. Those
practice activities will be used in the classroom as part of an interactive format.
Specific Course Objectives:
1. To provide a seminar course that trains young adults how to work as a Christian
professional, specifically developing their “talk.”
2. To provide a seminar that will benefit all students across the disciplines at
Evangel University.
3. To develop an understanding and acceptance of the responsibilities relative to
students’ ethics in their communication behaviors.
4. To build community between disciplines at Evangel University.
Basic Course Methods:
1. Readings are to be read thoroughly. Students will help facilitate the lectures—
seminar style approach.
2. Homework assignments will be given. The work is to be completed prior to the
next Saturday’s class.
3. All work must be word processed and printed on 8 ½ x 11” sheets of paper. APA
style for paper submission.
Evaluation Criteria:
Seminar grade will be based on attendance, participation in class, completion of
homework assignments, and one comprehensive assessment. The plus/minus grading
scale will be used.
Notation:
“It is university policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with
disabilities. If you would like to request accommodations due to a physical, mental, or
learning disability, please contact one of your instructors and the Academic and Career
Development Dept., Student Union, Suite 107”
Class Schedule
Saturday Morning – Session #1
Readings
8:00
Introduction to the class
Group Practice (cohesiveness)
Rhoades/
Pace-Miller
8:30
How do companies communicate?
(upward, downward, horizontal, formal
informal communication)
9:30
Break
9:45
What does the communication look/sound
Pace-Miller
like coming from a Christian.
(High Fidelity Speech—Putting Faith in the
Spoken Word.)
Practice: Using Five Biblical Guidelines for using words.
10:45
Break
11:00
Relationships in the work place – Communication
defines relationship
Rhoades
(Christians in a non-Christian work environment,
gracious responses in social settings, I Cor. 13)
Rhoades
11:25
Practical Theory: PRAGMATIC perspective
Pace-Miller
Demonstrate human dimension
11:50
Questions and next week’s review of homework
Rhoades
Noon
Dismiss
Practice:
Saturday Morning – Session #2
8:00
Greeting/Activity
Pace-Miller
8:15
Ethics in Communication
Pace-Miller
Discussion: Is it realistically possible to be an
Rhoades
ethical communicator at work?
Practice: Challenging Communication Situations
9:15
Break
9:30
Activity
Nonverbal Communication
(POWER issues)
Evil in the workplace
Employee Character Traits
10:45
Practice: Conflict Management Techniques
11:45
Assignment/Develop Interview Questions
Noon
Dismiss
Pace-Miller
Pace-Miller
Rhoades
(attachment)
Saturday Morning – Session #3
8:00
Greeting/activity
Pace-Miller
8:15
Discussion and Group Activity –
Challenging Communication Situations
9:45
Break
10:00
Guest Speakers /Panel
(Pre-planned interview questions from students)
11:00
Question and answer time
11:45
Lunch Together
Rhoades
Rhoades
Guest Speakers
Pace-Miller/Rhoades
Working Bibliography
Adler, R. & Elmhorst J. (2005). Communicating at work: Principles and practices for
business and the professions (8th Ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York.
Andrews. P. & Baird, J. (1999). Communication for business and the professions (7th
Ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York.
Berko, R., Wolvin, A. & Wolvin, D. (2004). Communication: A social and career focus
(9th Ed.). Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston.
Gordon, D. (2001). Handling conflict. South-Western: Cincinnati
Holderness, G. (2001). Career and calling. Geneva Press: Kentucky.
LeMon, C. (1990). Assertiveness: Get what you want without being pushy. National
Press Publication: Shawnee, KS.
Jones, L. (2004). Jesus life coach. Thomas Nelson: Nashville.
Littlejohn, S. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th Ed.). Wadsworth:
Belmont, CA.
Miller, K. (1999). Organizational communication. (2nd Ed.). Wadworth: Belmont, CA.
Palmer, M. (1998). Elements of a christian worldview. Gospel Publishing House:
Springfield, MO.
Peck, S. (1983). People of the lie: The hope for healing human evil. Touchtone: New
York.
Remland, M (2001). Nonverbal communication in everyday life. Houghton Mufflin:
Boston.
Sherman, D. & Hendricks, W. (1987). Your work matters to God. NavPress: Colorado
Springs, CO.
Strom, B. (1996). More than talk. Kendall/Hunt Publishing: Iowa.
Walt Disney Company and Associated Companies. Standards of business conduct.
(self published—department of human resources).
Other references:
Communication and Business Journals
KJV, NIV, New American Standard Bibl
Examining the Talk in Organizational Communication: A Christian Perspective
Purpose: Cohesion
Activities:
Saturday #1
Tell us your name and major. What do you want to happen in the
next five years?
After break: What is your favorite possession and why?
Saturday #2
Tell us one thing about yourself that very few people know?
After break: What cartoon character are you most like?
Saturday #3
If you could travel anywhere in the world, without consideration of
time or money, where would you go and why?
After break: Complete this sentence. I know God loves me
because….
Examining the Talk in Organizational Communication:
A Christian Perspective
Homework Assignment:
Please have the following activities completed before first class period.
Week One
Readings:
 The Palo Alto Group/Relationship Perspective
(Theories of Human Communication by Stephen W. Littlejohn, 1999)
Handout pages: 253-267
 The Dimensions of Human Relationships in Organizations
(Communication for Business and the Professions by Andrews & Baird, 2000)
Handout pages: 225-229
Exercises:
Exercise 3.2
Please follow the instructions and prepare a report on the do’s and
don’ts” of Nonverbal Communication.
Exercise 3.3
others.
Please take the self-assessment on “catching” the feelings of
Exercise 4.1
Please read the instructions and do the observation exercises. How
does “judging others” work with the Biblical principles of talk?
Exercise 6.1
This is a fun exercise. Write a short paragraph about your
experience doing this one.
Exercise 7.2
This is a fun exercise as well. Please be prepared to show your
“created” gestures in class.
Exercises 7.3
This exercise is to help make your more aware of your vocalics.
Write a short paragraph about your experience doing this one.
Table 10.2
Please read this table carefully. Great advice.
WEEK 2
Handouts (Nonverbal, Listening, Conflict)
Please read through the homework packet, reflecting the
on the information given. Be prepared to discuss the
on week three.
Examining the Talk in Organizational Communication: A Christian Perspective
Scriptures:
GOLDEN RULE
Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31
GUIDENCE
Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21; Luke 1:39; John 16:13
CONFIDENCE
Psalm 27:3; Proverbs 3:26; 14:26; Galatians 6:9;
Ephesians 3:11-12; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 10: 35
DISAPPOINTMENT
Psalm 43:5; 55:22; John 14;27; 11 Corinthians 4: 8-10
FEAR
Isaiah 51:12; Proverbs 3: 25; 29:25; Philippians 4:19;
Timothy 1:7
GOD’S CARE
Psalm 91:1-2; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 5:7
HONESTY
1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12; Hebrews 13:18
HUMILITY
Proverbs 22:4; Micah 6:8; Acts 20:19
OCCUPATION
Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 9:10;
11 Thessalonians 3:10-12
OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 10:13;
Philippians 1:6; 11 Thessalonians 3:3; James 4:7
STRENGTH
Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40: 29; Philippians 4:13
TRUSTING
Psalm 5:11; 18:2; 37:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 12:2; 26:3
WITNESSING
Psalm 66:16; Proverbs 11:30; Mark 5:19; Luke 24:48;
1 Peter 3:15; 4:11
Challenging Communication Situations
Week #2
Handling the details (routine and obligatory communication)
Going to the woodshed (correction/discipline)
“You’re fired!”
“We’re downsizing . . . you’re laid off!”
Handling difficult situations with a loyal, long-term employee
Positive Communication
Routine Performance Assessment
Communicating with Volunteers
Wise Communication: When written documentation is needed, when communication
should not be one-on-one, etc.
Communicating for Change
Creating a Communication Climate – openness, politically-, ethnically-, and gendercorrect, legal, ethical)
Communicating from the “get-go” - company manual
Encountering “evil” in the workplace
How to talk to the boss including: How to communicate with an awful boss
Dealing with inappropriate communication styles: “Let’s you and him fight!” (i.e.
trouble-makers) End-around strategy (i.e. those who don’t follow the organization
structure)
Personal hygiene issues – especially in diverse work cultures
Whistle-blowing
Communicating (or not communicating) your standards in business social settings
Communicating company policies to outsiders; e.g. purveyors
Recognition
Student Self-Assessment
What is the most important communication concept you have learned during this
seminar? What are specific things can you do to implement that concept in your
organization or workplace?
What workplace communication situations do you anticipate will be challenging to you?
Which traits of the individuals you interviewed and panelists do you most wish to
emulate in your interpersonal communication?
Have your views on ethical or biblical communication changed during this seminar? If
so, how? Be specific.
Which of your communication skills do you most want to improve? (e.g. handling
confrontation, non-verbal communication, routine communication, etc.) What strategy
do you have for improvement?