It’s hard to imagine that the dawn of email began only 25 years ago with the likes of Yahoo! Mail, AOL, and Hotmail. Today, email and instant messaging seem indispensable to how we communicate and sometimes feel like necessary evils. Misunderstanding and miscommunication are greatly increased through the use of email and messaging, but unfortunately, many still use it to communicate sensitive information and supplant meaningful discussion. I’m not against the use of email and messaging, but oftentimes it is a poor way to communicate when a more personal touch may be required. Consider the following reasons why we should prefer a phone call over an electronic message:

1. A phone call can take less time.

If you need information from someone right away, they best thing to do is call them. That way, you’re not waiting an indefinite amount of time for them to check their email or mobile device. If you’ve ever wondered if another person got your email, you know what I mean. And chances are, if you don’t have the person’s number, you know someone who does. So, make the call.

2. Your voice communicates more than written words.

Unfortunately, email can create great misunderstandings when the recipient misinterprets the sender’s intent. Despite the introduction of emojis and avatars, it is often impossible to know the attitude of the sender by his written words. The tone of your voice can express urgency, concern, or reassurance depending on the nature of the conversation. That might easily be lost in an email.

3. A phone call carries more weight.

We have gotten so used to shooting information through texts that phone calls are hardly expected anymore. A personal call is much more effective in showing people you care about them. It’s the next best thing to actually being there. Jesus’ teaching on reconciling conflict in (Matthew 18) requires we go to the person, not send them a note. Speaking personally via phone is a way to “go to” the person. Granted, being physically present is even better, but sometimes that’s not possible and in those cases, pick up the phone and make the call. It says much about your character as well and communicates you wish to do the right thing.

Jesus’ teaching on reconciling conflict in Matthew 18 requires we go to the person, not send them a note.

4. A phone call requires a discipline that is good for us.

This is particularly true when you need to clarify, confront, or challenge another person. Email is often a way to avoid the hard work of confrontation. Again, follow the principles set forth by Jesus in (Matthew 18). Remember, nothing is resolved until it is resolved biblically. Make the call.

5. Phone calls are more efficient.

There are times when an email generates questions that require another email for explanation. Whereas, if you’re speaking directly to someone and something is unclear, the person can ask the question and get an immediate response. When it comes to ministry, speaking person to person is a better way to get things done, to reconcile misunderstanding, and to communicate vital information.

Our culture is greatly influenced by social media where most communication flows only one way. We need to understand that one-way communication isn’t really communicating at all. So, the next time you’re tempted to fire off that email or message; pause and consider if picking up the phone and making the call isn’t the better option.