Friends, welcome to this edition of the Northwest Synod podcast. Today Lawrence speaks with Michael Harvey about cultivating a culture of invitation in Synod churches and the surprising power of asking, "How are you?".

They explore how a genuine question can unlock personal stories of pain and hope, modelled by Jesus, and how simple practices—like a short daily prayer and following up "How are you?" with "How are you really?"—equip people to listen compassionately.

The episode highlights two free "superpowers"—listening and silence—and suggests that authentic conversation can lead to healing, new perspective, and unexpected grace.