Academic Connections, International

Prov. 25:9  ¶  If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, 

Prov. 25:10  or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation. 

Prov. 25:11  ¶ A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 

Communication Resources:

• Journey Relevant
  • Engagement
  • Preliminary Locaters
• Skills Relevant
  • Proclamation
    • Contextualization
    • Audience Analysis
    • Relational & Interest Issues
    • Delivery    
    • Creativity
    • Invitation
    • Case Studies
    • Schematics
  • Handling Objections 
    • Discernment
    • Handling Rational Issues
    • Handling NON-RATIONAL Issues

    The resources we are putting together in this section (see above) are aimed at helping you create a very crucial conversation ambiance. That is, we wish to have in these conversations a spirit of respect and the appropriate kind of love for the other person (with all that it implies), in how we do what we do. It plays an important part in what we are calling relational, dialogical and conversational spiritual guidance.   

    With respect to the metaphor of journey that we have been using (this would be the left fork of the great spiritual divide), this part of the journey has much to do with what theologians might call pre-evangelism and evangelism proper. What we are suggesting is not the only way to do this, but it is a way that we believe will be effective (in the sense it follows proper moral and conversational etiquette) in making the issues of the gospel conversationally clear. All of this can be adapted to non-western cultures as you see fit.

    What we are discussing is how to non-manipulatively “locate” where people are in their life’s journey as it relates to faith in Christ. We want to do that because it’s the right thing to do (treats people as made in the image of God with dignity and value, apart from their extrinsic value) and because the advice we might give (even though principled) needs to fit as best we can to what’s appropriate in their lives. We are also discussing the skills relevant to making the issues of the gospel clear in a dialogical context and handling potential objections if they do come up in appropriate ways.

    Furthermore the materials, resources and various caveats included herein are meant to help you steer clear of abuses and at the same time allow you to carry on a mutually satisfying conversation. If you would like to get some personal help to facilitate that, please contact us and we will see what we can do for you. Please click on this to send us an email:  aconnectionsi@gmail.com