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This chapter from Steve Saccone's book called "Relational Intelligence" is a must read for all who want to get a handle on your blind spots. Steve is on staff with Erwin McManus at Mosaic in Los Angeles. After reading this chapter, I have two practical assignments from it that might help you increase the quality and quantity of your spiritual conversations.
1. In the spirit of what you read, take some time to reflect on past spiritual conversations that you've had or did not have because you were not quite sure how to get the conversation going. Write out some clarifying statements (see pages 41-45) about what the whole experience stirred up in you.
2. Take the initiative to do a 360 degree review from someone who has had a spiritual conversation with you. Tell the person you just finished reading something that prompted you to gain a better understanding of how you come across when you talk about spiritual things. Ask them if they would be willing to help you out by responding to the following question. What did it feel like for you to be on the other end of our last spiritual conversation? How do I come across when I bring up matters of faith? Take notes, ask questions to better understand what they are trying to tell you, apologize when appropriate for the unbecoming ways you came across.
This "Wondering Article" is a 'must read' paradigm-breaking-article that helps to answer the number one question most Christians ask concerning evangelism; how do I start and continue authentic spiritual conversations? You will learn how to avoid us vs. them standoffs and many of the evangelistic misdemeanors that bring spiritual conversations to a screeching halt.
If you are looking for practical, doable, ways to encourage 100% of your church to be outwardly focused, you will find these “99 Innovative Ideas” from true practitioners to be a "shot of espresso" to your ministry.
Many of us have been trained with evangelistic techniques that emphasize what we are supposed to say, thus listening is usually a skill most evangelicals are sorely lacking. It's been said that evangelism without listening is like playing golf blindfolded. This "Are You Listening" article will guide you on how to listen your way into other's hearts by demonstrating respect and humility.
This "Help for the Reluctant Witness" article addresses many of the questions Christians raise when attempting to do evangelism. If you are feeling stuck and are not quite sure where to go in your attempts to make Christ known to your family, friends, and co-workers you will find great encouragement through this "keep it real" article.
This "Common Ground" article highlights the importance of finding common ground with the not-yet Christians in our lives so that we can begin to build bridges to carry the gospel across. If you want to build a bridge over a river, prevailing wisdom teaches us to find the place on the river where the banks are closest to each other and build there.
