Proverbs 6:6-8; 11:24-25, 28; 21:17; 22:9 23:4-5

Proverbs 7:1-23

Proverbs 10:19, 15:4.

Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 4:6-7

As we take steps toward regathering regularly, we took some time this week to refocus as a community on our vision.

Our vision is based in the three broken relationships that the Gospel heals. We desire to see people restored to God, restored to others, and restored in themselves.

This week we look at 3 areas of urgency related to the three aspects of our vision, and how you can be involved. As we are rebuilding our lives, are we putting the right things back into our lives? 

In the final week of our series, Quick to Listen: The Art of Communicating So Others Feel Heard, we take a look at responding well.

In the midst of heated, confrontational, or divisive conversations, how do we respond well? The key is learning how to deescalate the argument so that you can move the conversation in a more productive direction. 

In this message, we look at 6 points on how to deescalate difficult conversations, whether it be with your spouse, a co-worker, a friend, or in a small group.

In this episode, licensed counselor Shannon Plate gives us tools for how to listen so others feel heard. This includes the role of empathy, how to respond non-judgmentally, how to prepare internally and externally to listen well, and how to apply all of this with children as well.

Shannon Plate is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a private practice in Palatine, IL.  She is an author and speaker, teaching on how to improve communication and demonstrate understanding in personal relationships, in business, and in ministry.  She has a passion for empathy in all forms and believes it to be a vital part of how we can fight disconnection and show care for others in our fast-moving world.

Pastor Ike begins the first message of this 3-part series on Listening by providing a theology of listening. Listening is not something we do just because it is a good relationship skill to have. We listen well because it is rooted in God's action toward us. Our God is a God who listens well.

Pastor Ike then gives us 4 differences between Good listening and Bad listening that help us understand why learning to listen well is so very important.