I really appreciate the great feedback I've received from people listening to the Tougher to Love audio lesson.
"I like how you explained the root causes. Once I understood that {name} is insecure it became a lot easier to figure out how to talk with her."
"Another great lesson, really helps me out. When is the next one coming?"
(Just a reminder, I have a free bonus lesson planned for people who get this by March 27th.)
If you've listened to the audio lesson, please feel free to comment here on this blog.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Audio Lesson is Ready!
The 43 minute audio lesson is ready for you! Check it out here:
http://www.teachtochangelives.com/tougher
And then come back here with your comments, questions, and feedback.
http://www.teachtochangelives.com/tougher
And then come back here with your comments, questions, and feedback.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
New Audio Lesson -- Tuesday, March 13
Every month a handful of frustrated people email me with questions about how to handle "difficult" people in their Sunday School class or bible study group.
They often say something like "How do I fix them so they stop doing ____ ?"
(The truth is that more teachers and leaders have quit because of these situations than anything else. It wears them out!)
Well, the answer isn't about "fixing" them, because that's God's work. Any time you try to do what only God can do, you WILL be frustrated.
The answer is about loving them. And we acknowledge that they're tougher to love than some other people :-). "We love, because Christ loved us first."
But...
there are are some strategies that help.
I will make an audio lesson available on Tuesday, March 13th, that is packed with useful information.
I'll lay out the 3 primary root causes of all these behaviors that frustrate teachers (and everyone else in the class or study group). Once you understand these it is much easier to address the real issues in a loving way that leads to spiritual growth and increasing maturity -- for you, too!
Watch this space for the announcement of when the audio lesson is available. There will be a special bonus available with it for only a short time.
They often say something like "How do I fix them so they stop doing ____ ?"
(The truth is that more teachers and leaders have quit because of these situations than anything else. It wears them out!)
Well, the answer isn't about "fixing" them, because that's God's work. Any time you try to do what only God can do, you WILL be frustrated.
The answer is about loving them. And we acknowledge that they're tougher to love than some other people :-). "We love, because Christ loved us first."
But...
there are are some strategies that help.
I will make an audio lesson available on Tuesday, March 13th, that is packed with useful information.
I'll lay out the 3 primary root causes of all these behaviors that frustrate teachers (and everyone else in the class or study group). Once you understand these it is much easier to address the real issues in a loving way that leads to spiritual growth and increasing maturity -- for you, too!
Watch this space for the announcement of when the audio lesson is available. There will be a special bonus available with it for only a short time.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Which "Tougher to Love Type" is Hardest for You?
I'm curious -- which of these "Tougher to Love Types" is hardest for you to interact with?
Talkers
Critics
Know-it-alls
Lesson Hijackers
Non-responders
Therapy-seekers
Aggressive skeptics
Enter your comments below.
Talkers
Critics
Know-it-alls
Lesson Hijackers
Non-responders
Therapy-seekers
Aggressive skeptics
Enter your comments below.
Monday, March 5, 2007
What Doesn't Work
There are a few responsese to "tougher to love" people that don't work.
I've tried them all. Repeatedly. They still don't work after the fourth or fifth time. (Remember that definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?)
There are four responses that don't work:
1. Do nothing, ignore it.
2. Angry confrontation
3. Lord it over people
4. Prayerless words and actions
Every one of these responses just leaves you (and your group) in continued frustration.
What's been your experience?
I've tried them all. Repeatedly. They still don't work after the fourth or fifth time. (Remember that definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?)
There are four responses that don't work:
1. Do nothing, ignore it.
2. Angry confrontation
3. Lord it over people
4. Prayerless words and actions
Every one of these responses just leaves you (and your group) in continued frustration.
What's been your experience?
Saturday, March 3, 2007
You're Not Alone
One of the most successful lies that Satan gets away with is "You're the only one struggling with this."
It's not true.
Every teacher and small group leader is going to get into these situations. I surveyed 1200 Bible teachers in early February 2007 -- over 400 responded back on this issue in less than 48 hours.
You are not the only struggling to interatct with a talker, a know-it-all, people who don't respond, critics, aggressive skeptics, or a therapy-seeker. Welcome to the human condition! This is not a new problem.
What's needed is some better coaching on how to effectively interact with these tougher-to-love people, to be constructive and move ahead, rather than have things fall apart.
It's not true.
Every teacher and small group leader is going to get into these situations. I surveyed 1200 Bible teachers in early February 2007 -- over 400 responded back on this issue in less than 48 hours.
You are not the only struggling to interatct with a talker, a know-it-all, people who don't respond, critics, aggressive skeptics, or a therapy-seeker. Welcome to the human condition! This is not a new problem.
What's needed is some better coaching on how to effectively interact with these tougher-to-love people, to be constructive and move ahead, rather than have things fall apart.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Some People are Tougher to Love, Aren't They?
This blog is for a conversation with you about the people whom God puts in our spheres of influence who....
Well, candidly, drive us crazy!
They talk too much, or about inappropriate things.
They're know-it-alls who either refuse to learn, or insist on broadcasting what they know.
They're seeking free therapy for their woes while you are trying to teach a lesson.
They hijack your lesson and take over the time.
They sit there like stones, completely unresponsive and not participating.
These people are tough to love! Our first reaction is usually "Could someone please fix this person??!!"
One of the most common reasons people drop out of small groups, Bible studies, and even leadership and teaching roles is that they get so frustrated dealing with tougher-to-love people.
I'll be releasing an audio lesson on this topic in a few weeks, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, feel free to add comments with your stories and what you have found to be helpful.
Well, candidly, drive us crazy!
They talk too much, or about inappropriate things.
They're know-it-alls who either refuse to learn, or insist on broadcasting what they know.
They're seeking free therapy for their woes while you are trying to teach a lesson.
They hijack your lesson and take over the time.
They sit there like stones, completely unresponsive and not participating.
These people are tough to love! Our first reaction is usually "Could someone please fix this person??!!"
One of the most common reasons people drop out of small groups, Bible studies, and even leadership and teaching roles is that they get so frustrated dealing with tougher-to-love people.
I'll be releasing an audio lesson on this topic in a few weeks, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, feel free to add comments with your stories and what you have found to be helpful.
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