No matter what communication skill I’m helping people with, I always teach people the pleasantly interested news anchor face. It’s the smallest investment with the biggest return. If you just think about what you want the other person to know, make sure your face matches that truth. You won’t look like a big clown, or Pollyanna, or anything other than that you are listening.
All by Amanda Box
I Knew Better
When I felt the nudge to check in earlier, all I wanted to do was see how they were doing. I didn’t have a list of action items or suggestions for the girls. I just wanted this mom to know that I cared, but my silence communicated just the opposite. The silent treatment is always the worst communication plan.
It’s Like This Verbal Jesus Was in the Room
It occurred to me that it’s hard to get to know people on a Sunday. We are all in the same building, but rarely does the Sunday structure allow for in-depth conversations. Worship is the priority, of course, but those in-depth conversations are gems of connection and inspiration. I wish I had asked my parents and grandparents to share their stories in this manner.
New
We’ve all had negative experiences with all kinds of organizations. Retail is one thing, but at church we simply can’t afford to accidentally send a message that says, “We don’t care if you are here or not.” Because Jesus wants to be in relationship with us, we are naturally inspired to be in relationship with others. That requires conversation and warmly welcoming new people.
Communication Lessons from my Dad
It strikes me that any one of these communication qualities that I listed is a game-changer for the people around us. There are the rare people, like my dad, who have many admirable communication habits, but if you have any one of these and are maybe working on another, then you are in a strong position to show Jesus to others.
It Was Just Nice
There is something so holy about being with a small group of friends who know me and who care enough to be supportive during such a drastic transition.
Focus Ring: Tension Versus Safety
While we want to create safety, we honestly can’t—at least for the most part. Jesus certainly didn’t play it safe. His ministry was risky from day one.
Fix Your Face; Find the Words
Being a peacemaker requires strength and skill as a communicator. If we are going to be effective peacemakers, we have to be smarter too.
How Old Are You – 12?
If we can pause, think about what we want to happen BEFORE we leap into the 12-year-old win/lose mindset, we will seek and save the lost too, my friends.
Spaghetti, Marshmallows, and Ministry
While there are lots of lessons to be learned from this research, for us as church leaders, the big take-away here is that what matters most is group interaction.
Pocket Phrases
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.
Coloring Sheets Have Corrupted My Knowledge of Scripture and I Don't Like It
Details must be simplified because we want our children to know the love of God, however, as adults, do we let the coloring pages limit scripture in our memories?
The Game-Changers
Why are humility and courage so difficult? Wouldn’t it be easier to handle things with humility and courage to prevent pain and suffering? Conflict has such a high price tag.
Why Should I Be The One?
You can either work on the conflict or get over it. Pick one. Surely the relationship means more to you than being right about what someone should have done.
For Ministers Who Aren’t Famous
As I’ve been reminded over and over during the last few months of studying the prophets, God’s plan of redemption is powerful, a solid promise, and a far, far cry from the often-hijacked definition of success.
The Best Time to Plant a Tree is Twenty Years Ago
As church leaders, we can’t limit our thinking to week-to-week activities and plans. Think about what you want your church to be in twenty years and plant that tree today!
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.
For or From
I’m no Bible scholar and don’t pretend to add much to what has already been said about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. But as I read these scriptures through my communication-evangelist eyes, I can’t help but see a beautiful picture of what a believer is.
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.
Lessons in Leadership from Abigail
Abigail’s leadership is impressive and provides a great pattern for us as we navigate our own challenges and conflicts.