The Dangers of Using Email

It goes without saying that email has become part of the landscape of our communication methods.  With this happy medium comes some dangers.  I never deal with personal issues over email.  Here are reasons I do not use email for communication that involves anything other than setting up appointments or sharing data.

• Emails contain no body language or vocal inflection.
• They are easily misconstrued.
• Emails are cold and heartless.
• They do not reveal true motivations.
• Emails are permanent and searchable.
• Emails can be used against me at a later date.
• Emails can be forwarded to other parties.
• Taking care of negative situations on email is not Biblical.

I have developed a policy for our church staff when dealing with controversy.  The first priority is to do it face-to-face as the Bible says to go to the person with whom you have the offense.  Last resort is to take care of it over the phone if both parties are not in proximity.   They are to never use email.  The Bible clearly talks about the spoken word when dealing with controversy.  God wants controversy to be cleared up and there to be peace and unity within the body.  If your controversy is archived, it can never be completely cleared up and reconciliation will always have a contingency plan.    The following is the policy that was developed in our church.  Feel free to use it and tailor it to your ministry.

To: Staff and Ministry Leaders

Electronic Communication Policy for Conflict Resolution

The Bible instructs us to deal with conflict and difficult situations through the spoken word. (CR Matthew 18:15-17) Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to “speak the truth in love.” Proverbs 15:1 declares “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Even the very definition of our English word ‘conversation’ means, “The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings; talk.”
(Reference: dictionary.com)

1. In order to biblically resolve conflict, our tone of voice must be heard. Therefore, no sensitive ministry information or situations shall be discussed over email or text messaging. Reasons you should not communicate via email or text message regarding sensitive ministry issues:

• It does not fall under the category of conversation, nor does it meet Biblical requirements.
• Email and SMS technologies are not secure technologies.
• All written communication can be archived and can be used at a later date for malicious purposes. Biblical conflict resolution brings closure to the issue with forgiveness. True forgiveness demands “abandonment of claims” between both parties once reconciliation takes place. Stored electronic communications do not follow Biblical principle and mandate as they are a documentation of claims made during the conflict.
• Written communication is highly susceptible to misinterpretation.
• Electronic communications can be forwarded and spread very quickly to other parties who should not be involved.
• People tend to say things on email or text message they would never say in person. Canceling out this form of communication drastically reduces the amount of ill-spoken words and helps protect all parties against future bitterness and resentment.

2. Sensitive communication must be made face-to-face per Biblical order. Telephone conversations should be used only as a means of last resort when time, location, or circumstance do not permit in-person communication.

Reasons you should speak with a person face-to-face:
• Body language is as important as spoken words. Your demeanor and tone of voice can bring life or death to a situation. Sympathy and compassion can never be adequately electronically. mercy is usually followed by an emotional response that is to be shared by both parties.
• The power of the human touch. A firm handshake, a gentle hug, or a hand on someone’s shoulder can never be utilized in electronic communication.
• Looking someone in the eyes can reveal truth or deception. Matthew 6:22 says the eye is the light of the body. The eyes can communicate light or darkness in the soul.
• The Biblical word for love is not a noun that describes a feeling. It is a verb which requires action. For love to be shown in regard to conflict, both parties must have contact through the spoken word.

3. Regarding situations of conflict, email and text messaging communication should only be used when planning meeting specifics.