European Pastor s Council Rogaska, Slovenia 21 st 26 th August 2012 Connecting Lives for Eternal Living Irma & Les Ackie
Created for Connection It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable for him. Genesis 2:18
Created for Connection... the latest findings in biology and brain science show that we are wired to connect... we are designed for sociability. Daniel Goleman, Back Cover
Created for Connection Spiritual Intellectual Physical Emotional (social) Spiritual maturity requires that we intentionally develop every aspect of our humanity
Emotional Awareness The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. Ellen White Ministry of Healing, 241
The Purpose of Emotions: Enhance our understanding of God Help us to understand ourselves and others Improve effective communication and the development of social skills Aid decision making Provide motivation Allow us to experience pleasure Warn us about impending danger
Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness Self-regulation Empathy Social skills
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) means: You can recognize and identify your emotions You can manage your feelings You are sensitive to other people s emotions You can manage relationships effectively You can motivate yourself to achieve your goals
Social Intelligence The ability to connect with others in a way that facilitates healthy relationships
Emotional Intelligence The success of our relationships is largely dependant on how we choose to handle the emotions we generate between us
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Emotional intelligence may be the best predictor of success in life, redefining what it means to be smart Time Magazine October 2, 1995
Emotional Intelligence: IQ will get you hired EQ will get you promoted
The Domains of Emotional & Social Intelligence Assertiveness Stress tolerance Impulse Control Problem-solving Self-respect Optimism Social Responsibility Reality testing Flexibility Group unity Interdependence
Jesus Modelled Emotional Intelligence So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes. Matthew 20:34 When he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple... John 2:15 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit. Luke 10:21 Jesus wept. John 11:35
Jesus Modelled Emotional Intelligence Stimulus Freedom to Choose Response Proactive people make decisions based on principles and values rather than reacting based on emotion or circumstance Adapted from Stephen Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, p27
Hierarchy of the Mind Will Thoughts Feelings Adapted from Dr Richard Jennings, Could It Be This Simple: A Biblical Model for Healing the Mind, p25
Jesus Modelled Emotional Intelligence The Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus Modelled Emotional Intelligence FEELINGS My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Matthew 26:38 THOUGHTS O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Matthew 26:39 WILL... nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. Matthew 26:39
Authentic Christianity Our ability to impact our communities for Christ is in direct proportion to the level of our emotional health
Authentic Christianity The longest journey we will ever take is the journey within Anon
Authentic Christianity Too many Christians say No! to reflection and self-awareness
What s below the surface? How does our public ministry match up with our private devotion?
Jesus Method Christ s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled among men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, follow me. Ministry of Healing, 143
Jesus Method People don t care how much you know until they know how much you care. John Maxwell Developing the Leader With You, 7
Authentic Christianity The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated William James quoted in John Maxwell, Be A People Person, 16
The Power of Empathy 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep Romans 12:15
The Power of Empathy But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
Authentic Christianity A lack of emotional and social intelligence may cause us to share a beautiful truth in an obnoxious manner
Authentic Christianity Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Jonah 4:2
Authentic Christianity Paying attention allows us to make an emotional connection
Good News! Emotional Intelligence is learned rather than inherited and can be improved throughout life
Jesus Method The strongest argument in favour of the gospel is a loving and loveable Christian. Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 100
Jesus Method By this shall all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
Authentic Christianity If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tender-hearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one. Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 9, 189
Authentic Christianity Let my heart be broken by the things which break the heart of God. Bob Pierce Founder of World Vision
The Power of Empathy Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12