Message Notes for This Weekend
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September 20, 2026
Guest Teacher: Jim Burns
Message Title: Improving Your Communication, Connection and Conflict Resolution
“Communication is a learned trait."
“I cannot blame them for what I do with what they do to me. I am responsible for how I respond.” Henry Cloud
Mark 10:13-16… “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
The A.W.E. FACTOR
Affection
Warmth
Encouragement
Does it really matter?
“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” - Winston Churchill
Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
The Magic Ratio
5 Positive Interaction to 1 Negative Interaction
Negativity Kills Relationships.
Philippians 2:14: Do all things without grumbling and complaining…”
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Negative Conflict Dance
Positive Conflict Dance
Good Communication is a MINDSET Change
Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Discussion Questions
Look over these questions before your group time. Write down your answers or ideas for at least a few questions if not all. You may not get to every question during your time but speak up if you want to talk about one of them in particular. Always try to start with question #1.
Discussion Questions:
Guest Teacher: Jim Burns
Message Title: Improving Your Communication, Connection and Conflict Resolution
“Communication is a learned trait."
“I cannot blame them for what I do with what they do to me. I am responsible for how I respond.” Henry Cloud
Mark 10:13-16… “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
The A.W.E. FACTOR
Affection
Warmth
Encouragement
Does it really matter?
“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” - Winston Churchill
Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
The Magic Ratio
5 Positive Interaction to 1 Negative Interaction
Negativity Kills Relationships.
Philippians 2:14: Do all things without grumbling and complaining…”
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Negative Conflict Dance
Positive Conflict Dance
Good Communication is a MINDSET Change
Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Discussion Questions
Look over these questions before your group time. Write down your answers or ideas for at least a few questions if not all. You may not get to every question during your time but speak up if you want to talk about one of them in particular. Always try to start with question #1.
Discussion Questions:
- Jim mentioned that Jesus was a "master communicator.” Is there a story in the New Testament about the life and ministry of Jesus that helps you understand that concept?
- A.W.E. Affection, Warmth and Encouragement. What makes this type of communication more effective than criticism even if it’s true the criticism is true?
- How could you apply the “Does it Really Matter?” principle to your own life?
- Read Proverbs 17:22. How can that verse motivate you to work on the atmosphere in your relationships?