Today we introduce our study by discussing why good communication is so needed in our day and reflecting on each person's individual communication style. We will examine wisdom from the book of Proverbs about gentle communication, before we spend most of the time with the aspect of communication theory known as whole messages. We will then apply this four part way of communicating (observation, thought, feeling, need) to reaching out to people at church who have not attended in awhile.

Download the study guide here: L1_Whole_Messages.pdf

Today we continue our study by exploring how different personality types communicate. We will see how Jesus included people of different personalities and background in his group of disciples, just as he does today. Each person will be able to self-identify as a personality type (commonly referred to as introvert/extrovert and thinking/feeling) and what they wish other people would know more about them. We will then apply this by practicing communicating with people of different personality types as you.

Download the study guide here: L2_Personality_Theory.pdf

Today we continue with active listening. It's so important even Harvard researchers have found it is the top skill CEOs need in today's business world. We will reflect on the biblical wisdom and biblical encouragement to listen before we speak, before each person analyzes their own listening strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we will take an in-depth look at the skills of active listening, before putting them into practice by role playing some typical contentious conversations in the church. 

Download the study guide here: L3_Active_Listening.pdf

Today we continue by focusing on conflict resolution. Conflict is everywhere—on TV and, unfortunately, in our lives. We will focus on Jesus' promise that he is present with "two or three" in their private moments of great conflict and pain, where forgiveness is most needed. Each person will analyze their own conflict management style, before we explore more withdrawal, accommodating, forcing, compromising, or collaborating. We will end by focusing on Carl Roger's six-part argument of resolving conflict, before we put it into practice by role modeling a conflict between a young person and his/her parents over leaving the church.

Download the study guide here: L4_Conflict_Resolution.pdf

Nobody likes to get criticized, but criticism actually plays a key role in feedback, as cognitive psychologist LeeAnn Renniger has shown. Christians have no need to fear criticism when they approach their identity from the gospel, not the law, as the apostle Paul did in Philippians 3. We will then focus on social perception theory and how we can jump to unfortunate and uncharitable assumptions about people that prevent us from openly sharing things. Then we will apply tips for how to give and receive criticism and praise by practicing how to do it in the church.

Download the study guide here: L5_Constructive_Criticism.pdf