Conversation

“Put it to the test. Next time you’re in a social situation, do all the talking and see what happens. Then, switch to a different group and start asking questions and listening. Pull the story out of them and you’ll see a big difference.” - Phil Cooke

“I have often been surprised at the mercy of God to myself. Poor sermons of mine, that I could cry over when I get home, have led scores to the cross; and, more wonderful still, words that I have spoken in ordinary conversation…” - Chuck Lawless

“Some research even finds that frequently eating meals with family members can reduce a child’s likelihood of substance use, violence, and other anti-social behaviors later in life.” - IFS

“All of us are interviewers. We also can’t escape being interviewed, either formally or informally. Good questions and answers are some of the building blocks of God-honoring conversation.” - Ref21

“it is not enough just to describe what intellectual friendship might look like: robust conversation, charitable questioning, and civil disagreement among friends who are committed to truth-seeking. We also need to explain why it matters” - Public Discourse

If “you only think of confrontational conversations, short-term intense efforts to guide non-Christians into instant conversions… then you have a pretty narrow, unrealistic, and inefficient view of evangelism.” - Word by Word

“it’s increasingly difficult to talk to anyone when everybody is wearing headphones or ear pods…We communicate via texts—and even then often without complete words. In fact, we speak with emojis quite often” - Chuck Lawless

“Most often, we grow by listening, not by talking. Consider nine ways to become a better listener.” - TGC

“We speed past the questions that would help us get to know another person’s story and instead immediately look to the places of greatest difference and disagreement.” - Denison Forum

“Have a normal conversation. …a normal conversation about life, sports, family, who has the best French fries, whatever. Somewhere along the way, a problem with a child, a health concern with a family member, or an issue at work will pop up. Just offer this: Would it be OK if, when I pray, I include that in my prayers?” - Lifeway