Connecting Like Jesus

The church is full of leaders who are called upon to speak, teach, preach, and communicate the Gospel. Yet far too few know how to connect with their audience using both the skill of a seasoned orator and the grace of a humble leader.

Acclaimed preacher Tony Campolo and communications expert Mary Albert Darling advocate the need for “spiritually charged communication” in their new guide, CONNECTING LIKE JESUS: Practices for Healing, Preaching, and Teaching. Explained as "a form of interacting that involves being spiritually in tune with others through combining spiritual and communication practices”, the concept describes how clergy and laity alike can speak in God-honoring ways.

Connecting like Jesus starts by identifying the need for soul healing, both within ourselves and our relationships, before we can become authentic communicators. The book then walks through the habits that help us reach this goal – a spirit of freedom, a practice of sacred listening, connecting through questions, redeeming conflict, and shaping powerful narratives. It even provides guidance for crafting powerful messages using thoughtful preparation, planning, and presentation skills.

While drawing on their own expertise as riveting communicators who express themselves with courage, preparation, and intention, Campolo and Darling also interview other prominent Christian leaders throughout the book like Shane Claiborne, Brian McLaren, and Mindy Caliguire to illustrate how Connecting Like Jesus impacts those who model its wisdom.