When you talk to others about Jesus, take a look at how you tell that story and what it means for their identity. Is it a story of acceptance or rejection?
All tagged communication
We Need Each Other More Than We Think (Part 1)
Ever been disfellowshipped? If so, you know some of the pain that can be there. Despite its positive foundation, it is a way that Christian behavior mirrors some of the most damaging and painful tendencies of our modern world.
Leadership that is Authentic
Authenticity is not only seen in big, dramatic moments. More often, authenticity is found in the small, daily decisions that have earned your credibility. It is not about being liked; it is about being trusted because of your consistency and clear values.
X’s and O’s
Hi everyone, Amanda Box here, back to share my adventures as a communication evangelist. I’ve recently worked with two different clients who asked me to help with some extremely challenging conversations. Both situations required significant planning and preparation. This article contains a breakdown of what this looked like.
News Anchor Face
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.
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.
Noticing God in Your Midst
It wasn’t until Moses had to run into the desert and confront who he was and what he had done that he was able to notice the presence and movement of God.
What We Did to Make Fifty Years
We are a living example. 50 years. Any couple who makes 50 years is worth watching. How did they make it? What did they do? Here are a few things you will see in us that will help you.
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.
Ask!
It’s time to stop being mad about what people aren’t doing and ask for what you need. I mean it. I’m like a broken record out here as I’m coaching people through conflict. “Just ask,” I say, over and over.
IRL @ Church - Conversation Required
Do your people know how to sincerely welcome guests? Even if they used to, the pandemic has altered how we interact with others, and they may have forgotten how.
Defend or Connect: Pick One
People are desperate to be understood, and listening is the most validating thing you can do for another human being.
Top Five for Speaking Up
You live and breathe, so you matter, which means you have every right to speak up. Period.
Prove It
When the stakes are high, the words that come out of our mouths are our strongest witness, only trumped by our nonverbal communication. For this article, I’m going to focus on the words.
Looking at You, Senior Ministers
Create a space where people are engaged in a conversation that undoubtedly needs to happen and likely is overdue.
Don’t Ask Questions That Aren’t Questions
With every question that’s not a question, the defensiveness escalates and in the blink of an eye, the damage is done.
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.