Storytellers (Jason Raitz)
We are kicking off our summer Storytellers series. This week, we’re excited to host Jason Raitz, pastor, speaker, and president of Speak with People, an organization specializing in communication and leadership training. To learn more, visit speakwithpeople.com!
At the beginning of the podcast, Jason makes the point that if you have influence, then you’re a leader. How does this idea challenge you? Are you comfortable with thinking of yourself as a leader? Why or why not?
Read Proverbs 10:11 in The Message. Have you experienced “toxic communication”? If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your group about that experience.
In contrast, how does listening, presence, and empathy create “deep, life-giving wells” of communication?
One of Jason’s key points is that we should speak with people, not at them. What is the difference here for you?
Think about a time when you’ve been spoken at. What was this like? Contrast this with a time you’ve been spoken with. What was that like?
In the podcast, Jason says that we all have a story. Have you ever felt like you didn’t have a great story to tell? How has telling your story, and truly listening to another’s story, impacted your relationships? How has this impacted your communication and leadership?
If you have time, read the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, in John 4:5-30. Using this passage, discuss how Jesus communicates with, not at, the Samaritan woman. (If you don’t have time consider, including this passage in your personal study or quiet time!)
(*Video available after Sunday services)
