Better Ways to Better Relationships in the Church
Guidelines for Practicing Humility, Experiencing Empathy, Feeling Compassion, Showing Kindness, Expressing Appreciation, and Doing Justice
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Most congregations and faith communities are eager to help people transform their relationships for the better--especially in these controversial and divisive times. This book targets six topics to create healthier relationships and repair relationship breakdowns: practicing humility, experiencing empathy, feeling compassion, showing kindness, expressing appreciation, and doing justice. You will find chapters on each of these topics with teaser quotes, real-life scenarios, sensible guidelines, and practical applications. Its goal is to provide some practical guidelines that can go a long way in helping people be more effective in how they transform relationships for the better in their congregations and everyday lives. In short, you will find practical wisdom in each of these six areas that will strengthen your relationships at home, at work, in congregations, and in society. Insights are drawn from the latest research by relationship and social scientists on each topic. Wisdom gleaned from this research is translated into practical guidelines for transforming relationships gone awry, into relationships that flourish.
Thomas G. Kirkpatrick is an educator, pastor, trainer, writer, and consultant with specialties in relational communication, small group ministries, and conflict management. He is the author of Communication in the Church: A Handbook for Healthier Relationships and Small Groups in the Church: A Handbook for Creating Community. He has been a pastor at several churches, a seminary and university professor, a campus minister, and a program director of camps and conferences.
“A very valuable and much-needed book for our churches as they struggle with the profound changes that have occurred in our time and the overwhelming problems of our country and world. Change and challenge inevitably create conflict and a lack of knowledge about how to ‘be the church’ in the midst of this new world. Dr. Kirkpatrick provides an essential guide on how we can learn how to communicate better and truly love one another as the church engages in its mission to love God with our whole being and our neighbor as we love ourselves at this critical moment in history.”
—Duncan Ferguson, professor of religious studies (retired) and author
“Tom once again pulls us in by giving us practical stories from his life in the church. The challenge of our relationships is mirrored in the stories he tells. They prepare us to receive a word of wisdom, a technique to communicate, a prayer to utter. A very helpful book for this time as we rise out of the pandemic, renew our relationships, and reexamine the gift of the church of Jesus the Christ. There is much work for the church to do in this time, and Tom provides great insights to guide us.”
—Joyce Martin Emery, Presbyterian transitional pastor and former denominational executive