Generally we have forgotten how to have conversations, right? We tweet, we text, and we throw Facebook tantrums. None of these things equal conversations. We're getting really good at talking at people and losing the art of talking with people.
Schaller and Crilly have been honing their skills in training people to return to the art of conversation and we desperately need this book.
Inside are four parts: Getting Ready, Getting Started, Keeping it Going, and Ongoing Spiritual Conversations.
Using Jesus as the example, we begin with learning the arts of noticing, praying, and listening. Simply notice the people around you, pray for them as you go about your day - pray for their well-being and their life and then really listen. It's here that the authors give some very practical advice on how to get ready to have a conversation.
So often, we are thinking about what we want to say back to the person as soon as they quit talking that we fail to listen.
How many relationships would be healed if everyone practiced the art of getting ready?
Next we learn the arts of asking questions, loving, and welcoming. By asking clarifying questions you show that you are truly invested in what the are saying and not simply trying to figure out the quickest way to fix the problem.
The last two parts are like rolling down a hill. Once you get things going, these will help open the door to more honest conversations and we absolutely need to have better conversations.
This book is fantastic for any pastor, Christian, or honestly anyone tired of people staring at screens all day and returning to the lovely art of getting to know people.
This is a must-read!!
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Momentum.
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