communicate for a change: building great relationships through great listening.

"One thing is for sure: Most people want good relationships or even great ones.”With these simple words, Dr. Gary Sweeten invites us into his life’s work of teaching people worldwide how to “love other people in ways that make them feel understood, valued, and appreciated.” In one slender volume, Gary distills his most helpful teachings, biblical precepts, scientific findings, entertaining illustrations, poignant stories, memorable taglines, down-to-earth experiences, and heaven-sent grace.Loving other people isn’t a matter of emitting love rays but of demonstrating genuineness, warmth, empathy, and respect. For most of us, though, the few skills that we think we have in those areas can be more hurtful than helpful: “Oh, you shouldn’t worry about your son. He’ll grow out of it.” But in this book, Gary explains concrete, learnable skills that we can all use to demonstrate concern without trying to fix people: “It seems like things have been piling up on you, and you wonder what’s going to happen next.” That kind of response not only conveys warmth, empathy, and respect, but it also ensures that we don’t end up owning other people’s problems.Communicate for a Change targets ordinary moms and dads, neighbors and friends, coworkers, and “perfect” strangers who want to demonstrate extraordinary care. Counselors and Christian leaders will also benefit from Dr. Sweeten’s fifty years of experience in combining current psychological research with time-honored biblical principles.A companion workbook and video series are available at RelationalPeace.org as well as supplementary materials for group study.Communicate for a Change is a treatise on connection. Now, more than ever, we need practical wisdom on how to make connections and protect them. Dr. Gary Sweeten is the best in class, and his insight will improve your relationships right away. — Beth Guckenberger, Author/Speaker, Co-Executive Director, Back2Back MinistriesGary has been a source of wisdom for me for a very long time. When I've had struggles, many of which were interpersonal in nature, he has been there. I'm thankful that he has put his wisdom in book form to help as many people as possible.— Brian Tome, Pastor, Crossroads Church, CincinnatiGary Sweeten's teaching has deeply impacted me and thousands of Christian leaders in Norway and Scandinavia since 1983. His practical wisdom has truly changed many lives. I am so happy that Gary now wants to share his powerful insights with new generations as well.— Jens-Petter Jørgensen, Pastor, Renewal Leader, and Seminary Professor, Lørenskog, NorwayIn this new book, Gary has captured the essence of how true change happens best. When we learn to listen to God and others longer than often feels comfortable, we end up standing on sacred ground. Then we have the greatest potential to discover and join God's conversation with the people who rub shoulders with us.— Doug Pollock, Author and SpeakerGary Sweeten's training on relationships and listening was the basis of our leader training for recovery groups. In a relational context, facilitated by skilled listening, empowered by God's Spirit, we've watched lives change for nearly 30 years.— Mark Lutz, Pastor, Vineyard Cincinnati, author of Unleashing the Power of Small Groups and What is Wrong with People?!In Communicate for a Change, Gary Sweeten is sharing the quintessence of his lifetime of practical wisdom. Gary’s teaching transforms psychological theories into applied relational empathy. As I specialize in autism and ADHD, the concrete and visual tools presented in the book are perfect for enhancing social-emotional strategies.— Kirsten Callesen, Psychologist and Neurodevelopment Specialist, Copenhagen, Denmark Read more