Dear Christian,

Have you ever found it difficult to talk about what you believe? Have you ever felt the temperature in the room skyrocket, as conversation turned to personal beliefs? Maybe there's a plan to help you talk more skillfully about those beliefs.

​The phrase, "learn 2 lead without starting r.i.o.t.s" outlines that plan. It reminds me of some key components to conversation: Learn, Look for inconsistencies (things that go in 2 different directions), and Ask Leading questions. We can use this methodology as Christians to navigate conversations into productive directions.

Let's focus on the word Learn, the first word of the phrase, "Learn 2 Lead, without starting r.i.o.t.s." The word Learn reminds me that learning happens before conversations, during conversations and after conversations.

Pre-conversation learning involves studying the issues of the day that people are discussing, as well as reading and understanding the Scriptures, which spell out the Christian faith. Post-conversation learning includes the same elements, plus there's reflection on how the discussion went. I hope to write further on this, soon.

Learning also takes place during a conversation- be it in person or in a blog. This is crucial. When a nonChristian is advancing their views, or criticizing mine, I go into learner's mode. I want to know what they think and why, so that I can respond appropriately.

In a follow up post, I want to share a little cartoon character I created, to remind you how to navigate through conversations, even if you stay in the learner's mode.

His is name is W. Dumbty, but don't let his mild manner appearance fool you!