The modern world is increasingly noisy. Today’s culture encourages one-sided dialogue, oppositional opinions, and adversarial language. In his new book, Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening, Brian K. Davies reveals the importance of listening and the value of conversation, which has been lost amid the cacophony. Davies invites readers to consider the impact dialogue can have and how it can forge pathways to people’s hearts that break down barriers and unlock biases with the help of the Holy Spirit. Captivating Conversations is available from Concordia Publishing House now.
“From very early on in His ministry, Jesus employed the art of asking good questions as a means to build bridges with people . . . ,” Davies writes. “He asked questions to initiate conversations, point people to God, rebuke His hearers, and test their understanding of Scripture. His questions had purpose. . . .
“So, instead of following these worldly communication styles, our model for conversation should be the one Jesus gives us.”
In Captivating Conversations, Davies shows readers how Jesus beautifully and masterfully asked questions that invited people to confront their own realities—their sinful nature and their inability to do anything about it to receive forgiveness on their own. Each chapter includes questions for conversation and reflection to help readers internalize the teachings and apply them to their own lives. By exploring the examples and lessons Jesus used in the Bible, readers will—by the power of the Holy Spirit—learn to reshape their community, one conversation at a time.
“In a world that is always going from one thing to the next, Brian invites us to slow down and be present,” says Tanner Olson, a poet, speaker, and author. “Through Scripture and story, he reminds us that if we want to love like Jesus, we should listen like Jesus. . . . This is a book I wish I had read years ago but am thankful to have it now!”
Visit cph.org/listen for more information about this book. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.
Praise for Captivating Conversations
I doubt there’s ever been a more important time for a book that teaches us the art of listening. The rise of tribalism—both in the world and in the church—has made it increasingly difficult for us to really hear one another. If we want things to change, we simply must do better. Thankfully, Brian Davies’s new book teaches not only why we should listen but, more importantly, also how to actually do it. I pray we all take its lessons to heart and put them into practice.
-Scott Christenson, senior pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Orange, California
In a world that is always going from one thing to the next, Brian invites us to slow down and be present. Through Scripture and story, he reminds us that if we want to love like Jesus, we should listen like Jesus. Captivating Conversations encourages us to create deeper relationships as we reclaim the art of listening. This is a book I wish I had read years ago but am thankful to have it now!
-Tanner Olson, poet, speaker, and author of Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope
If you do not want to be challenged by a book, you should not read this one. Why? It opens the Scriptures, reveals not only the identity of Jesus but also how He engages the people He was sent to save with purposeful questions. You will learn about Jesus from Jesus. Pastor Davies invites us to be more curious about Jesus and one another. You will be challenged to go beyond superficial conversations with better questions and deeper listening. Davies’s advice is practical, intentional, down to earth, and given in such a way we can all apply it—I know I will. Every church worker, lay leader, and disciple of Jesus, this book is worthy of your time and attention!
-Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, president, Northern Illinois District, LCMS
Amid the cacophony of our culture’s opposing voices, what if you and I choose to communicate differently? What could happen if we stop speaking divisively or talking over one another; if we pursue personal engagement, longing to listen more than hungering to be heard? What if we ask thoughtful questions with an earnest desire to learn and understand others better? According to Brian Davies, in his insightful and timely new book, bridges can be built, relationships repaired, communities engaged, understanding gained—and more.
In Captivating Conversations, receive a perceptive cultural premise regarding the current state of conflict in many of our conversations. Learn from the eye-opening example of Jesus, the master communicator, through His perfect work and words. Jesus’ thoughtful questions invite people to draw near, self-reflect, and discover divine truth. Engage in several exercises and receive special techniques that will prepare you (as they have me!) for thoughtful conversations that include purposeful, specific questions to ask others, all while emulating the Savior, by God’s grace. You will find yourself reading and referencing this excellent resource again and again!
-Deb Burma, Christian speaker and author of several books, including Joy: A Study of Philippians; Leaning on Jesus; and Be Still and Know
We’ve all been there—too quick to speak, too slow to listen, mouths open for inserting feet. Pastor Davies offers a biblically grounded, thoroughly practical corrective to our world of “shout first, ask questions later.” Not only will this book help you reclaim the lost art of listening but it will also help you look at life and ministry differently. The caustic vitriol of our fallen and falling humanity can only be effectively countered by the Gospel of Christ and by His forgiven and freed saints who open their sanctified ears to a world in need.
-Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, pastor, First Saint Paul’s, Chicago
Brian’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making it a pleasure. The very first chapter immediately addresses an issue we all deal with: polarization. This relevance to our current challenges is sure to resonate with you. We are encouraged to be active listeners. In every chapter, you will find solid biblical teaching, practical examples, and thought-provoking questions to engage you further. This will make a great addition to your personal library and a great book to discuss with church staff and board members.
-Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney, assistant to the president for missions, human care, and stewardship, Iowa District West, LCMS
About the Author
Brian K. Davies serves as pastor at Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and as chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department and Round Lake Fire Protection District. Davies graduated from Concordia River Forest (now Concordia University Chicago) in 2002, having studied communications and biblical languages. He went on to earn his master of divinity at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He and his wife, Beth, have three children: Kate, Megan, and Luke. Davies is the author of Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community.
