The intent of these little pocket phrases is simply to equip you with a diplomatic way to open the lines of communication and to acknowledge that everyone has a point of view worth hearing.
All tagged conversation
The Way of Ink and Conversation
For many, tattoos are a way of marking one’s identity to the world. Asking about their ink is a window into their heart, to see what is most important to them.
Identity Quake
My prayer for all of us is that we are so secure in Christ’s love and acceptance, that it changes what we think about others, changes the very words we choose during the most difficult of times, with the most difficult people, and when we feel the most defensive.
Rise to the Occasion or Fall Back on our Habits?
The truth remains: if you want to be successful at anything, including communication, you must develop successful habits.
Simple and Holy
Even in the shallowest of conversational waters, people are hesitant to talk to each other. The big and small conversational fears are seriously paralyzing us.
Airplane Conversations
These conversations were gifts because, though strangers, we were able to connect as humans despite the vile history.
Love: It’s Time to Get to Work
Reflecting on years of teaching young students, I am reminded of exercises captioned “Listen and do.” Might this be a simple, yet awfully mature, set of ancient instructions?
Unleash the Awesome
I’ve promoted myself from the communication evangelist to the unleasher of the awesome. The promotion is well deserved, not because of my awesomeness, but because of yours.
Your Silence Will Not Protect You
When are you keeping quiet when you suspect something isn’t working, and why?
The Theological School of My Living Room
My articulate and intellectual preparedness is challenged the moment my kids ask a pointed question like, “Do cats like to swim?”
The Power of Reaching One
In our day, it’s very easy to stand behind a computer and think that’s ministry. Of course that’s part of it, but when that’s all we do, I think there’s a problem.
For Shepherds Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Remember to Talk About Jesus
No matter what complex question was thrown at him, Jesus remained laser-focused on love and redemption.
For Elders Who Are Facilitating Gender Inclusion, Get Ready for This Conversation
Authority was a pervasive concern as I talked with those who were upset about gender inclusion. “The man has to be the leader,” I kept hearing.
Please Hear My Voice
There exists a group of people who feel like they are not being heard. Not being listened to. Not being welcomed into the kingdom of God in the way God intended.
God in the Backseat
Here are a few things I’ve learned while driving for Lyft, as God showed up in my backseat.
Spiral of Silence
Have you been in a small group discussion but felt unable to give your opinion?
Ministry of Reconciliation, Part 3: Three Commitments to Move Us Further
We offer three crucial commitments that are essential to any attempt to move closer toward the goal of racial reconciliation in the church.
In the Red
Because I’m such a conversation nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by Jesus’s actual words. Lately when I read his words, I’m awed by his laser focus.
I Dare You
I’d like to offer another kind of avoidance behavior that actually has a great chance of derailing the conflict before it has a chance to get scary.
Can We Talk?
Dealing with conflict is no picnic. But the damage caused by refusing to talk to each other is wreaking havoc and I can’t stay silent.