Connecting Like Jesus

Acclaimed preacher and writer Tony Campolo is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University, noted author of many books, and a national media commentator on religion, society, and politics. Mary Albert Darling, associate professor of communication at Spring Arbor University and coauthor of The God of Intimacy and Action, is a frequent speaker at conferences and retreats.

• Acknowledgments. An Introduction to Spiritually Charged Communication. Part One: Connecting Like Jesus. 1 Spiritually Charged Communication: Relational Practices for Connecting Like Jesus. 2 Soul Healing: Connecting Like Jesus Through Care of the Soul. Part Two: Practices for Soul Healing (Mary Albert Darling). 3 It Is About You: Knowing Yourself as the Starting Point for Soul Healing. 4 From Fear to Freedom: Overcoming What Keeps Us from Others. 5 Sacred Listening: Hearing with the Ears of God. 6 Connecting Through Questions: Why Asking Is Better Than Telling. 7 Conflict: An Opportunity to Connect. 8 Redeeming Conflict: Prayers and Other Practices for Oneness. 9 When Stories Tell the Story: The Power to Shape a Narrative (Mary Albert Darling and Tony Campolo). Part Three: Practices for Teaching and Preaching (Tony Campolo). 10 Preparing the Soil: Laying the Groundwork for Spiritually Dynamic Speaking. 11 Planning Your Message: Crafting the Shape of Your Talk. 12 Presenting Your Message: Why It All Leads Up to the Finale. Postscript for Spiritually Charged Communication. "One Another" Verses. Using This Book in Small Groups or Classes. Notes. The Authors. Index.

[STARRED REVIEW] Numerous opportunities for introspection, study, and practice in developing "holy habits" that foster Christ-like communication are presented in this well-organized and accessible guide. Coauthors Campolo and Darling (The God of Intimacy and Action) offer combined expertise in preaching, public speaking and spiritual direction, resulting in a thought-provoking, valuable resource for Christians seeking to engage in "spiritually charged communication." They draw insights from the writing of John Wesley as well as from interviews conducted with contemporary Christian figures Brian McLaren, Mindy Caliguire, and Shane Claiborne to illuminate ways that Jesus' ministry explicitly models how today's Christians can live in "dynamic communion with God, ourselves, others and the world." The authors apply a Christian lens to familiar communication techniques such as empathic listening, practicing forgiveness, and knowing one's audience. For example, in noting the importance of self-awareness for loving communication, they quote Jesus' admonition, "First take the log out of your own eye," and then suggest several spiritual practices to help Christians identify personal strengths and weaknesses. This book's blend of kindly spiritual insights and practical wisdom may well appeal to those beyond the target Christian audience. (June) (Publishers Weekly, April 12, 2010)