By: Adam Cheney on September 8, 2025
It is oft said that history repeats itself. But does it? Let’s go on a little thought experiment here as I was intrigued by a social media post of our classmate Jennifer. We tend to frame history as a wash cycle: soak, rinse, repeat. In this view of history, it almost feels as if we…
By: Noel Liemam on September 4, 2025
This book, ‘How to Have Impossible Conversations,’ by Boghossian and Lindsay provided a good addition to a leadership tool bag for conversations, or communications between the leader(s) and the team members is the life of the organization, or group. Some of the benefits of effective communication in a group are: (a.) transparency that build trust,…
By: Diane Tuttle on September 4, 2025
Throughout history, people have disagreed, feuded, and gone to war over being so passionate about being right for whatever the cause might have been. Today, we don’t have to look too far to find news outlets posting violence related stories or social media posts ranting about a political apostacy or passionately fighting over injustices. At…
By: Julie O'Hara on September 4, 2025
I was amused to note the number of times Bogossian and Linsay reference using hostage negotiation tactics in How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide. That is because there is a second, much larger conference than we Nazarenes are having in my hotel this week. It is for the Midwest Hostage Negotiators. Every…
By: Joel Zantingh on September 4, 2025
My European colleague and I have just competed field-testing of a new set of conversation tools with focus groups from Canada and Europe. The project, which sought to lay a foundation for disagreeing well, was developed by a request from the European Evangelical Alliance. Within the Christian community, polarization and extreme views seem to be…
By: Graham English on September 4, 2025
This week’s book, How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide by Peter Boghossian and James, is a timely read for many reasons. The book promises to be an instruction manual for conversations with people who want to speak to you when it seems almost impossible to do so.[1] Who can’t relate to the…
By: Chad Warren on September 3, 2025
Standing in line at Baskin-Robbins as a young boy was overwhelming. Thirty-one flavors staring back, and you can only pick one scoop. Reading How to Have Impossible Conversations[1] by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay feels the same way. The book lays out 36 practical techniques for navigating what they call “impossible conversations”—those exchanges that feel…
By: Glyn Barrett on September 3, 2025
Pastoral ministry is built on conversations, vision-shaping meetings, hallway chats, and late-night calls. Most are life-giving. Some, however, feel impossible. Before addressing the theme of the book, I want to name a concern. In today’s climate, the label “narcissist” is hurled at pastors far too easily. Any leader who shows conviction, confidence,or clarity can quickly…
By: Daren Jaime on September 3, 2025
One of the worst feelings a peaceful person can experience is knowing they are heading into an arena of hostility. A recent meeting concerning the prospective status of a project was held. Layoffs, losses, and an uncertain future were some of the preexisting factors that precipitated this meeting, and those taking part in the conversation…
By: Elysse Burns on September 3, 2025
Engaging with beliefs that differ greatly from my own is difficult. I vividly recall my first encounters with individuals of a different faith—the debates left me frustrated, and I often replayed them in my head, searching for weaknesses to prepare for next time. Now, as a Christian in a predominantly different-faith environment, I have learned…
By: Kari on September 3, 2025
Reading Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay’s book, How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide, reminded me of hundreds of conversations I have had with my Muslim friends. As a Christian, I believe in absolute truth. I take Jesus literally when he says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the…
By: Debbie Owen on September 2, 2025
Words are Windows (or They’re Walls) by Ruth Bebermeyer I feel so sentenced by your words, I feel so judged and sent away, Before I go, I’ve got to know Is that what you mean to say? Before I rise to my defense, Before I speak and hurt or fear, Before I build that wall…
By: Ryan Thorson on September 2, 2025
Human communication is a fascinating thing. We have such an incredible ability, through our words, tone, and body language, to communicate everything from abstract ideas about distant galaxies to deep inner turmoil. I’m also always impressed by human beings and our ability to miscommunicate through assumptions, reactions, and misunderstandings. As a husband, father, and pastor,…
By: Adam Cheney on September 2, 2025
This week’s reading on conversations seems to flow directly out of last week’s reading of Humble Leadership. The ideas grow together, as one cannot have humble leadership without learning how to navigate difficult conversations around difficult topics. Likewise, it is necessary to engage in difficult conversations with humility and a learning attitude. I especially loved…
By: Shela Sullivan on September 1, 2025
Introduction One component of my job description as a Category Manager is negotiation—specifically, conducting competitive bidding processes that result in contract awards. These negotiations often culminate in selecting the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) bidder, a decision rooted in fairness, compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Yet, despite the objectivity of the process, those who are not…
By: Jeff Styer on September 1, 2025
Based on some of our cohort’s previous posts, I am picturing many of us starting this week’s post off naming the person(s) in our lives whom we cannot have a conversation with regarding certain topics. For many years I have avoided discussing religion and politics with my dad. Over the years, when it comes to…
By: Jennifer Eckert on September 1, 2025
A few months ago, I found myself in a friendly debate with a friend about a controversial topic. Honestly, I don’t fully recall where I was trying to go with my sentiment; I just knew that I was losing my footing. My speech sped up, my responses became choppier, and before I knew it, I…
By: Christy on September 1, 2025
Some conversations are exceptionally difficult – even impossible. But Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay, authors of How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide, helped me see that some don’t have to be impossible, but instead can be slow, deliberate, and humble. [1] The authors argue that if we can view ourselves as a…
By: Joel Zantingh on August 29, 2025
In a world that often celebrates individualism and self-made success, Humble Leadership by Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein offers a refreshing and necessary counter-narrative. The authors argue that the future of effective leadership lies not in authority or charisma, but in relationships, openness, and trust—the building blocks of interdependence. This concept is not just theoretical; it’s…
By: Daren Jaime on August 29, 2025
More than three decades ago, I was introduced to a profound leadership statement. It said if a leader is out in front and no one is following them, then that leader is simply taking a walk. Throughout my time as a leader, submitting to leadership, learning, and growing, I can honestly attest to this truth.…
