Ep 78 Mark Matlock: Controversial Conversations

"We have lost the art of finding common ground. We immediately come in and we look for clues to figure out whether someone is on our side or not." After speaking to millions of teens and leaders around the world for the last few decades, Mark Matlock is still not afraid to "stir the pot." As the author of over 20 books, this established thought leader, advisor, and executive leader of WisdomWorks and Youth Specialities, is constantly pressing the boundaries of "safe" conversation and spurring us on to have THOUGHTFUL conversation instead. In this chat, Mark shares tips for examining the tension between faith and politics, brings wisdom for difficult conversations that occur within opposing viewpoints, and shows us how we can regain the art of finding common ground. This eye-opening discussion is overflowing with wisdom for traveling today's social media landscape. I hope you will be inspired to dig deeper and explore the tensions that arise with open hearts and open eyes. "So I've assigned to them this idea that they are malicious and I treat them that way without realizing that maybe they're like me--trying to figure this out. Maybe they're trying to navigate a difficult thing. Maybe they're trying to figure out how to respond for Christ. So I've tried to come along and explore those things as opposed to pre-judge people." Some of the other topics we touched on are: -A main source of generational tension within the church -What is an "Unusual Truth Expositor?" -Why the American Bible Society began -How it feels to meet the Pope -Navigating difficult topics in social media conversations -Why written words matter even today -The lost art -Assumptions that most people make -Exploring the tension between faith and political view -What we SHOULD talk about first -The message on Mark's heart -Help people see Jesus more -Our role in the "courtroom" -Whom we should interview next Resources: "Raising Wise Children: Handing Down the Story of Wisdom" by Mark Matlock "Real World Parents: Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World" by Mark Matlock "Wisdom on....Friends, Dating and Relationships (Wisdom Series)" by Mark Matlock "Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon" by David Kinnamon & Mark Matlock (available for pre-order!) "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards" by Yu-kai Chou "Raising a Modern Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood" by Robert Lewis Follow along with Mark's journey on FB here.