Catalyst Strategies: Transforming Challenges into Change Opportunities

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Modern elders initiate something new. How do we best start something? What are the things that have traditionally held us back from new learning, new exploration, and new adventure? What can we change to make better?

We all harbor desires for change. Sales and marketing professionals aspire to reshape their prospects’ perspectives, employees yearn to influence their bosses, business leaders strive to transform their organizations, and parents seek to mold their children’s behavior. Yet, the formidable challenge of change often stems from inertia – a force that leads families to revisit the same vacation spot annually and compels companies to cling to established practices while resisting new initiatives.

Renowned author Jonah Berger, writing in The Catalyst, sheds light on our natural inclination to combat inertia aggressively. When met with resistance, individuals tend to inundate clients or superiors with facts and lengthy explanations. However, negotiators at the FBI, exemplified by figures like Greg Vecchi, adopt a more effective strategy – one that focuses on dismantling barriers rather than battling against them.

Embark on a brief journey and delve into the art of instigating change by embracing the role of a Catalyst – a superior approach inspired by the world of chemistry. Chemists employ specific substances to catalyze transformations, expediting processes that might otherwise take years. Similarly, becoming a catalyst in human interactions involves removing roadblocks and lowering barriers to initiate change.

In The Catalyst, author Jonah Berger employs the metaphor of catalysis throughout the entire book, emphasizing that the most efficient way to induce change in any scenario is by adopting the role of a catalyst. By identifying and eliminating the obstacles preventing individuals from taking action, meaningful change is achievable.

The approach begins with a fundamental question: What impediments hinder the person from changing? Understanding these barriers is key to the success of the catalyst method. For example, success in negotiating with criminals without violence hinges on this principle – sometimes, all that is needed is to locate and release the metaphorical parking brake.

Our exploration will unfold through Berger’s five strategies encapsulated in the acronym REDUCE: reduce Reactance, ease Endowment, shrink Distance, alleviate Uncertainty, and find Corroborating Evidence. These tactics serve as a guide to becoming a catalyst, facilitating positive and transformative change in various situations.

Have something you want to change? Want to change someone’s mind or how an organization works? It’s not about pushing harder, or being more persuasive, it’s about removing the barriers to change. REDUCE these five key roadblocks and you can change anything.

Reactance

When pushed, people push back. So rather than telling people what to do, or trying to persuade, catalysts allow for agency and encourage people to convince themselves. How can we allow for agency, provide a menu, or highlight a gap?

Endowment

People are wedded to what they’re already doing. The status quo. To ease endowment, we need to surface the costs of inaction, burn the ships, and frame new things as regaining a loss.

Distance

Perspectives that are too far away fall in the region of rejection and get discounted. So start by asking for less. Find an unsticking point and use it to switch the field.

Uncertainty

Change almost always involves uncertainty, and this ambiguity makes people hit the pause button, stemming action. To get people to un-pause, increase trialability. Harness freemium, reduce upfront costs, and drive discovery.

Corroborating Evidence

Sometimes one person, isn’t enough. Some things need more proof. So find reinforcement. Use multiple sources, concentrate them close in time, and figure out whether you need a firehose or a sprinkler.

Creating change is hard, but it’s possible. The key, Jonah Berger teaches us, is to become a catalyst and remove barriers to action rather than trying to create it by force.

More often than not, things don’t budge. And by focusing so much on ourselves and what we want, we forget the most important part of change: Understanding our audience.

Jonah Berger

You can do that by remembering and utilizing the five ways you can become a catalyst, forming the handy acronym REDUCE: reduce Reactance, ease Endowment, shrink Distance, alleviate Uncertainty, and find Corroborating Evidence.

From Curiosity to Connection: Building Belonging in Daily Interactions

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Discover the secret to flourishing in an age of division: belonging. In a world filled with discord and loneliness, finding harmony and happiness can be difficult. But what if the key to unlocking our potential lies in this deceptively simple concept? Belonging is the feeling of being a part of a group that values, respects, and cares for us―a feeling that we can all cultivate in even the smallest corners of social life. 

In Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, Stanford University professor Geoffrey L. Cohen draws on his own and others’ groundbreaking scientific research to offer simple, concrete solutions for fostering a sense of belonging. These solutions can generate surprisingly significant and long-lasting benefits.

Small but powerful actions can bolster belonging―actions such as encouraging people to reflect on their core values before they face a challenge or expressing belief in someone’s capacity to reach a higher standard. A wide range of innovative approaches have been found to boost achievement at work and at school, bridge political divides, reduce prejudice, and even contribute to overall health. Rigorously tested in diverse arenas―from classrooms to disadvantaged neighborhoods to iconic Silicon Valley companies―these methods offer a path forward in these demanding times. 

Belonging is a compelling read for all who yearn for a more connected world, whether you’re a manager or employee, an educator or student, a parent or caregiver, or simply someone seeking to make the most out of every moment you spend with others. Packed with actionable insights and specific strategies, this book offers hope and practical guidance, serving as both an inspiration and a roadmap to creating a world of inclusion, understanding, and empathy.

The science of situation-crafting provides valuable insights into our ability to cultivate a sense of connection and belonging in our lives. This situational literacy empowers us to face challenges that may threaten our sense of belonging. Here’s a core set of practices derived from Belonging that will provide insights to actively build belonging in our daily interactions.

1. Ask Questions and Listen: Appreciating the depth of individuals’ experiences through genuine curiosity is a powerful bond builder. By actively seeking perspectives and understanding people’s circumstances, we can provide more meaningful support and strengthen connections.

2. Give Your Perspective: Sharing our own stories and perspectives complements the need to understand others. Articulating the reasons behind our views can prevent stereotyping. Expressing dissent should be done with courtesy, signaling intent and allowing others the space to accommodate diverse viewpoints.

3. Be Polite: Politeness, a universal protocol, signifies respect for others. Simple acts like not interrupting, using “please” and “thank you,” and apologizing when necessary contribute to recognizing the belonging of others.

4. Affirmation: Creating opportunities for individuals to express themselves and feel valued is crucial. Affirmation goes beyond vapid praise, focusing on allowing people to share their commitments and values, reinforcing their sense of self.

5. Avoid Authoritarian Language: Acknowledging diverse perspectives by expressing ambivalence and actively learning about opposing views builds rapport. Signaling intentions before giving critical feedback fosters an atmosphere of concern and respect instead of dictation.

6. Use the Nonverbal Channel: Nonverbal cues such as nodding, smiling, and making eye contact convey interest and respect. However, authenticity is key, as coming across as fake can be counterproductive. Genuine nonverbal expressions enhance bonding.

7. Handle Yourself with Care: Being in the right mental and emotional state is crucial for meaningful interactions. Cultivating personal belonging allows us to navigate social situations thoughtfully, especially in challenging times, avoiding conformity to harmful stereotypes and norms.

8. Craft Your Situations with Care: Recognizing the entanglement of our identity with our environment, we can actively self-craft by situation-crafting. Acting as gatekeepers for social influences, cultivating a rich social life, and staying true to our values contribute to fostering belonging.

Conclusion

Building belonging is an ongoing practice that requires awareness and dedication. By incorporating these core practices into our daily lives, we can create positive interactions and strengthen connections. Small gestures and moments of connection have lasting effects, inspiring and empowering both ourselves and others. Let us embrace the magic of situation-crafting to make every situation a little better for everyone involved.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Practical Hospitality: A Guide to Building Bridges in Your Church and Neighborhood

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Your church – its members – can be viewed as islands without bridges. The “islands” are the homes, apartments, or condos of your members. Wherever they live, it will be all too easy and natural to want to retreat into themselves and spend their influence mostly on themselves and their families, isolated and disconnected from their neighbors across the street or down the hall.

They are often strangers to their own neighbors.

The secret weapon for gospel advancement that builds bridges is hospitality, and your church members can practice it whether you live in a house, a dorm, or a high-rise apartment.

Thinking like this requires viewing the home as primarily a weapon for the gospel before it is anything else. Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly.

During the early months of the pandemic in 2020, I worked with the Auxano team to develop this TeamUP eBook to introduce you to the possibility of leading you and your church to build bridges – from member’s homes to their neighbors – and it starts with you.

These bridges are the next step in the ongoing shift from a facility-focused ministry to one based in people’s homes.

In this TeamUP, you will find excerpts, practical ideas, and actions from some of the best practicers of this concept.

These seven ideas and accompanying actions have been highlighted to first raise your awareness in your own life, and then, as a leader, encourage your team or church to do the same in their own lives.

Bridges are born of practical necessity, an astonishing marriage of technology and art. Crossing an often imposing obstacle, they succeed in linking two parts, providing the opportunity for connection and conversation. Bridges are links; they connect people and communities.

It’s time for your church to use hospitality as a bridge to your neighbors.

You Can’t Lead Well Without Serving

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It takes leaders to make more leaders.

As a leader, you are not out to create followers, but to discover, disciple, and distribute more and better leaders throughout your organization.

Let’s take the simple but accurate path of dividing people into two groups – leaders and followers. Followers don’t develop leaders – they follow them. Only leaders can develop more leaders.

The odds are high that you have someone on your team that is now only a follower – but you recognize potential in them. You want them to become the leader you already see in them.

THE QUICK SUMMARY – The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do by Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard

In this new edition of their classic business fable, Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller get at the heart of what makes a leader successful. Newly promoted but struggling young executive Debbie Brewster asks her mentor the one question she desperately needs answered: “What is the secret of great leaders?” His reply—“great leaders serve”—flummoxes her, but over time he reveals the five fundamental ways that leaders succeed through service. Along the way she learns:

• Why great leaders seem preoccupied with the future
• How people on the team ultimately determine your success or failure
• What three arenas require continuous improvement
• Why true success in leadership has two essential components
• How to knowingly strengthen—or unwittingly destroy—leadership credibility

The tenth anniversary edition includes a leadership self-assessment so readers can measure to what extent they lead by serving and where they can improve. The authors also have added answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to apply the SERVE model in the real world.

As practical as it is uplifting, The Secret shares Blanchard’s and Miller’s wisdom about leadership in a form that anyone can easily understand and implement. This book will benefit not only those who read it but also the people who look to them for guidance and the organizations they serve.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION

If you are looking for the latest techniques to help you coerce people to do what you say, you will not find any such techniques in the broad category of servant leadership.

Servant leadership is not a strategy or shortcut to success. Servant leadership is a long journey, leading with people as you add value to them by putting their interests ahead of your own.

Creating culture always starts with the organization leader, and it is no different in your church. If you are going to create a culture in which leaders SERVE, you are going to have to demonstrate these five principles first.

A person can serve without leading, but a leader can’t lead well without serving.

Five Strategic Ways Great Leaders SERVE

See and shape the future. Leadership always begins with a picture of the future. Leaders who cannot paint a compelling picture of a preferred future are in jeopardy of forfeiting their leadership. Clarity will often come in the midst of activity. If you are stuck, get moving. When the vision is clear and compelling, it will create life, energy, and momentum.

Engage and develop others. Engagement is about creating the context for people to thrive. Low engagement of your teams is not an indictment of the workers; it is the leaders who need to make a change. We believe leaders who are not proactively developing others are missing a vital aspect of their role.

Reinvent continuously. To make progress, to move forward, to accomplish bigger and better, something has to change. There are three arenas of change:

  • Self – How are you reinventing yourself?
  • Systems – Which work processes need to change to generate better results?
  • Structure – What structural changes could you make to better enable the accomplishments of your goals?

Value results and relationships. Virtual every leader has a natural bias toward one or the other of these. While not bad, that bias can limit your effectiveness. The best leaders value both and manage the tension between them.

Embody the values. People watch leaders, looking for clues regarding what’s important to the leaders. They are also trying to determine if the leader is trustworthy.

Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard, The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do

A NEXT STEP

At your next team meeting, write the five SERVE statements from above on separate chart tablets.

On a scale of 1 (I don’t do this at all) to 5 (I consistently do this), ask your team to individually (and privately) to rate themselves.

Next, have a group discussion, asking for a consensus rating using the same scale above on how your team is taking these actions.

Next, list as many specific and concrete actions that demonstrate each particular action. After you have completed this action, ask the group for a consensus decision on the top three in each category, and circle them.

Finally, ask what actions are missing from each list. Discuss how these actions can become a part of your team’s regular practices.

Excerpt taken from SUMS Remix 95-3

 

Beyond Comfort Zones: The Power Strangers Hold from Random Encounters to Life-Changing Moments

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In our cities, we stand in silence at the pharmacy and in check-out lines at the grocery store, distracted by our phones, barely acknowledging one another, even as rates of loneliness skyrocket. Online, we retreat into ideological silos reinforced by algorithms designed to serve us only familiar ideas and like-minded users. In our politics, we are increasingly consumed by a fear of people we’ve never met. But what if strangers—so often blamed for our most pressing political, social, and personal problems—are actually the solution?

In The Power of Strangers, Joe Keohane sets out on a journey to discover what happens when we bridge the distance between us and people we don’t know. He learns that while we’re wired to sometimes fear, distrust, and even hate strangers, people and societies that have learned to connect with strangers benefit immensely. Digging into a growing body of cutting-edge research on the surprising social and psychological benefits that come from talking to strangers, Keohane finds that even passing interactions can enhance empathy, happiness, and cognitive development, ease loneliness and isolation, and root us in the world, deepening our sense of belonging. And all the while, Keohane gathers practical tips from experts on how to talk to strangers, and tries them out himself in the wild, to awkward, entertaining, and frequently poignant effect.

The Power of Strangers by Joe Keohane is a thought-provoking exploration of the impact that interactions with strangers can have on our lives. Keohane delves into the psychology of how we perceive and connect with people we don’t know, emphasizing the influence strangers have on our decision-making and behavior.

The book takes readers on a journey through various aspects of human connection, from the significance of chance encounters to the role of strangers in shaping our opinions and beliefs. Keohane skillfully weaves together anecdotes, scientific research, and real-world examples to illustrate the profound ways in which strangers shape our experiences.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to challenge preconceived notions about strangers, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of these interactions. Keohane argues that embracing the power of strangers can lead to personal growth, expanded perspectives, and unexpected opportunities.

The writing is engaging and accessible, making complex psychological concepts accessible to a broad audience. Keohane’s exploration of the subject matter is both thorough and detailed, aligning with your preference for detailed explanations.

In summary, The Power of Strangers offers a compelling perspective on the often-overlooked influence that strangers have on our lives. It encourages readers to reevaluate their perceptions and appreciate the richness that comes from engaging with those outside our immediate circles.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Happy Hour

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Etiquette and Advice on Holy Merriment

Party develops and sustains the communal life of the community and it is the foundation of spiritual movement. If people find friends, great conversations, a safe place to be themselves and to bring others to, then you have the makings of a kingdom movement. If someone finds you through the party, then finding God will be much easier for them because they will already have a community of people to walk with.

Hugh Halter

All good missionaries know the power of social engagement.

Whether you are called to Spain, Italy, Iceland, or Portland, Oregon, we now live in a pure mission field, and people won’t move spiritually until they are connected socially. In other words, the Gospel will not be heard until our front doors open, our tables are set, and we practice the art of hospitality, celebration, and party.

Why has this ancient art of party been lost?

Because the church has defined holiness as “exclusion” from the world, abstinence from food and drink and separation from real people. In Jesus, we get to be holy as He was holy. Our inward commitments to Him remain intact while at th same time we are deeply entrenched in the life and customs of those around us.

Party is sacrament and we must relearn and reorient our lives around friends, food, and celebration if we are going to have any influence upon the culture right next door.

In Happy Hour, Hugh will unpack the theology of party as well as give you practical etiquette and ideas for making merriment a way of life and a way of mission.

According to author Hugh Halter, the one skill every believer must develop is the discipleship skill of throwing a great party.

No, it’s not just about outreach to lost friends. It’s really about our discipleship after Jesus. If He did it, and we claim to follow Him, then we must stretch past church attendance and Bible studies to learn how to be great human beings like He was.

Happy Hour is a book for missionaries in a missionary context.

Which is all believers.

inspired and adapted from Happy Hour: Etiquette and Advice on Holy Merriment, by Hugh Halter

Legacy Building through Orbital Influence: A Modern Elder’s Perspective

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Humans have always been intrigued by the movement of celestial bodies. The study of planetary orbits involves delving into the laws of celestial mechanics, a field that has evolved significantly since the time of Copernicus (shown) and Johannes Kepler, whose laws of planetary motion developed in the early 17th century provided a groundbreaking understanding of how planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun. These laws laid the foundation for modern celestial mechanics.

Planets, with their predictable orbits, have often been seen as symbols of order and stability in a seemingly chaotic universe.

With the above in mind, it’s not too far a stretch to use the metaphor of planets in orbit in terms of orbital influence of a modern elder.

Definition of Orbital Influence

Core Concept: Orbital influence refers to the gravitational force exerted by an experienced individual within an organization or community. It symbolizes the impact that a seasoned professional, often a modern elder, can have on the trajectory and development of those around them.

Metaphor Explained: Drawing inspiration from celestial bodies in orbit, the concept likens the influence of an experienced individual to the gravitational pull that shapes the paths of planets. In this context, the ‘gravitational pull’ represents the wisdom, insights, and expertise of the modern elder.

Dynamic Nature: Orbital influence is not a static force; rather, it adapts and evolves with the changing dynamics of the environment. It involves the intentional sharing of knowledge, fostering a sense of continuity and growth.

Significance in Mentorship and Leadership

Mentorship Paradigm: Orbital influence transforms traditional mentorship paradigms. Instead of a top-down approach, it encourages a circular exchange of knowledge and ideas, where both mentor and mentee contribute to each other’s development.

Leadership Impact: Within a leadership context, orbital influence emphasizes the pivotal role of experienced individuals in steering the organization. Modern elders become beacons of guidance, using their accumulated knowledge to influence strategic decisions and inspire innovation.

Cultural Impact: The concept contributes to the development of a positive organizational culture. It promotes a collaborative atmosphere where individuals, regardless of age or experience, recognize the value of shared insights and contributions.

Long-term Legacy: Orbital influence extends beyond immediate results, aiming for a lasting impact. Modern elders, through intentional mentorship and leadership, contribute to the creation of a legacy that outlasts their direct involvement.

With these thoughts in mind over the last six months, here is the initial visualization of the orbital influence of my journey to becoming a modern elder:

Understanding Orbital Influence’s Core Principles

Gravitational Pull of Experience

Accumulated Wisdom: Orbital influence begins with the wealth of experience that a modern elder brings to the table. Years of navigating challenges, successes, and failures contribute to a reservoir of wisdom that can guide and inspire others.

Holistic Perspective: The gravitational pull is not confined to a specific domain but extends across various aspects of professional and personal development. Modern elders draw from a broad range of experiences, providing a holistic perspective on decision-making and problem-solving.

Cultivation of Expertise: The gravitational pull is amplified when the modern elder actively cultivates their expertise. Continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends ensure that their influence remains relevant and impactful.

Spheres of Expertise

Identifying Strengths: Modern elders leverage their spheres of expertise, recognizing where their knowledge and skills align most effectively with organizational needs. This targeted approach enhances their ability to make meaningful contributions.

Collaborative Approach: Orbital influence encourages collaboration among individuals with diverse spheres of expertise. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, modern elders facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to innovation and problem-solving.

Adaptive Application: The concept acknowledges that spheres of expertise may evolve. Modern elders remain agile, adapting their influence to match the changing landscape, embracing new technologies, and staying abreast of industry developments.

The Modern Elder’s Role

Shaping Organizational Trajectory

Strategic Guidance: Modern elders play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of an organization by providing strategic guidance based on their experience. This involves participating in decision-making processes and offering insights that consider long-term implications.

Change Leadership: In times of organizational change, modern elders serve as stabilizing forces. Their ability to navigate uncertainty, coupled with a steady hand in leadership, helps the organization adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.

Fostering Innovation through Experience

Innovative Thinking: The modern elder encourages a culture of innovation by infusing the organization with creative thinking. Drawing from past experiences, they inspire teams to explore new possibilities and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.

Risk Mitigation: Orbital influence includes a nuanced understanding of risk. Modern elders guide the organization in taking calculated risks, drawing on their experiences to navigate potential challenges and maximize opportunities.

Legacy of Learning: Recognizing the importance of learning, modern elders actively contribute to the development of a learning culture within the organization. They champion ongoing education, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable and prepared for future challenges.

As I continue this journey, I will be exploring how orbital influence can be practically applied in mentorship, leadership, and organizational development. Additionally, I will be working on a more detailed exploration of the core principles underlying orbital influence and the specific role that a modern elder plays in shaping organizational dynamics. Above all, I want to remain firm in keeping God at the center of all my relationships and interactions as a developing Modern Elder.

What do you think? Comments welcome!

Reading Between the Ears: Synoptical Reading, Leadership, and the Magic of Disney

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Reading is a passion I treasure, and one that I am thankful my father instilled in me.

I love (and practice) the 4 different levels of reading as espoused by Mortimer Adler in his great book, How to Read a Book, but I really like to latch onto a topic and practice synoptical reading. Also known as comparative reading, it is where many books are read, and placed in relation to one another and to a subject about which they all revolve.

For many years, an ongoing topic of synoptical reading has been about Walt Disney (the man) and the “kingdom” he founded.

Under the watchful eye of Engineer Mickey, here’s my new stack of Disney reading that I’m kicking off 2024:

  • The Art of Walt Disney (Disney 100 Celebration Edition)
  • Disney Book of Maps: A Guide to the Magical Worlds of Disney Animation
  • Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder
  • The Disney Book (Disney 100 Edition)
  • Hyperion Historical Alliance Annual 2023
  • Disney 100 Storybook Collection
  • Disney, Culture, and Curriculum
  • Disneyland Historical Highlights: 1954-1972
  • The Mouse That Roared
  • Disney Magic: Business Strategy You Can Use at Work and Home

A wonderful collection of older books recently acquired, revised editions celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary, and brand new works, these books will provide hours of amazing insight into the Disney story.

With these acquisitions, my Disney library is approaching 500 volumes, dating from 1939 to current releases – and I’m still actively researching the subject, regularly discovering new authors and books.

I get it, I really do. Some people think that using anything associated with Walt Disney and the company he created, as it exists today, to illustrate practices for leaders - especially church leaders -is wrong.

I respectfully disagree.

Churches need to look at sources of excellence in any area that can help them fulfill their mission and vision.

In the area of Hospitality and Guest Experiences, there are many great organizations that excel at customer service or guest services. Most of them learned it from a single source.

There is only one organization, in my opinion, that consistently delivers exceptional Guest Experiences, continually upping their game.

That organization is the Walt Disney Company.

Another objection I often hear: “Sure, Disney does a good job; they have a bazillion dollars to spend on keeping Guests happy.” Yes, they do – and I’ve contributed my own share to that bazillion!

But I encourage you to look beyond what you see to the PRINCIPLE behind the action or practice, and more often than not you will find something that you can apply in your organization.

In other words, Excellence Scales.

That’s why I’m reading these books!

#wednesdayweeklyreader #disney #books #bookstagram #reading

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Loving My Actual Neighbor

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7 Practices to Treasure the People Right in Front of You

Jesus was 100 percent clear: Love God, love others. May we do so in a way that is honoring to both our Creator and those he created, with respect for all involved and dignity in every interaction.

Alexandra Kuykendall

As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbor. We may even grasp that “neighbor” encompasses more than just the people living next door or down the street. But what we too often don’t know is how to begin. How do we love our neighbor? Where do we start? What does this look like in our increasingly isolated world?

Following practices outlined in the first chapter of 2 Peter, Alexandra Kuykendall lays out the framework for where to begin. From practicing humility to listening with understanding to being generous in our relationships, Loving My Actual Neighbor offers practical, start-now steps readers can take to love their neighbors. With her approachable, friendly tone and down-to-earth advice, Kuykendall has carved out for herself a place in the hearts of readers, who will be thrilled to extend her commonsense approach into this sphere of their lives.

As we begin the journey together of exploring how to love our neighbors well, may we remember that God’s grace is covering it all. We are imperfect people stumbling through life, trying to love other imperfect people.

If we are getting more honest in relationships, there will be moments (or days or weeks or years) that will be difficult. Things won’t go as we picture they will. The mess will seep out and we will miss opportunities that come up. We will likely say things we regret, and we will face feeling and ideas that make us uncomfortable.

But we will also experience life as God intended with more depth as we interact with those right in front of us on a more intentional level.

Loving My Actual Neighbor