Communication in the Church

A Handbook for Healthier Relationships

By (author) Thomas G. Kirkpatrick

Publication date:

29 September 2016

Length of book:

210 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781566997898

Communication is integral to the mission of the church, but it can go awry in myriad ways, both obvious and subtle. Communication in the Church helps congregations create healthier ways for their members to relate to one another for greater personal and congregational success. The book offers practical guidelines to help readers become more effective in how they build relationships, lead meetings, experience trust, practice forgiveness, use power, and bridge cultures.

Communication in the Church distills the latest social science research for readers including clergy, lay leaders, continuing education planners, students, scholars, and others. Each chapter includes real-life scenarios, sensible guidelines, practical applications, and suggestions for further learning. This book aims to help readers communicate more effectively—from leading more engaging and productive meetings to preventing or addressing communication breakdowns.

Chapter 1. Building Relationships
Chapter 2. Leading Meetings
Chapter 3. Experiencing Trust
Chapter 4. Practicing Forgiveness
Chapter 5. Using Power
Appendix A. Paraphrasing Exercise
Appendix B. Listening Awareness and Skills Inventory
Appendix C. Strength Bombardment Exercise

In a time of loud, dissonant rhetoric, Thomas Kirkpatrick offers guidelines for calm, reflective listening and sane conversation. He envisions the church as the place where people “speak the truth in love” and “carefront” for the sake of clarity and honesty, even more, for building genuine relationships. He knows that the church is where you dialogue, not to win points, but to love thy neighbor.