12 Unexpected Ways to Care
Do the Unexpected!
When it comes to caring, the expected doesn’t always work.
That’s where 12 Unexpected Ways to Care: Practical Skills for Exceptional Relating comes in. The skills covered in this book, drawn from over half a decade of in-depth research, expand readers’ caring toolboxes with techniques to strengthen existing relationships, forge new ones, and bring an unexpected yet refreshing change into others’ lives—and into their own.
Contents
- Introduction: What to Expect from the Unexpected
- 1. A Profound Question
- 2. Three Powerful Words
- 3. The Best (and Worst) Questions to Ask
- 4. The Rush to Debate
- 5. The Rush to Comfort
- 6. The Rush to Instruct
- 7. If, When, and How to Give Advice
- 8. Spotlight Shifting
- 9. A Very Careful Exception
- 10. One-Upping
- 11. Care In, Share Out
- 12. Who Do You Care for First?
- Epilogue: Do the Unexpected!
About 12 Unexpected Ways to Care
In trying to offer care and support, people frequently fall back on methods they’ve experienced themselves or seen others use. Too often, these attempts fall short of being truly helpful—or may even be hurtful.
12 Unexpected Ways to Care offers an antidote to these familiar but ultimately unhelpful ways of caring and relating. In the book, authors Justin M. Schlueter and Kenneth C. Haugk share practical, powerful skills that can be used in a wide variety of situations and relationships. Developed through research with over 3,000 people, these skills are tested and proven to enrich people’s lives.
For additional information, visit the following pages:
Pilot Test the 12 Unexpected Ways to Care Discussion Guides
Two Discussion Guides are available for pilot testing for groups studying 12 Unexpected Ways to Care:
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The Discussion Guide for Faith Groups is best for groups within the church, including small groups and Bible studies; men’s, women’s, and couple’s groups; ministry teams; church staff and leadership teams; Stephen Ministry groups; and more.
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The Discussion Guide for Teams, Groups, and Organizations is best for groups outside the church like workplaces, schools, medical facilities, community organizations, and beyond.
To learn more about getting either Discussion Guide and participating in the pilot test, call Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600 and ask to speak to a member of the Pilot Test Team.
To Order 12 Unexpected Ways to Care
12 Unexpected Ways to Care is available directly from Stephen Ministries. To place an order:
- Visit our online store, or
- Call us at (314) 428-2600.
Share Your Own Story
If one or more of the skills from 12 Unexpected Ways to Care has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you know, we invite you to join people from all around the world in sharing your story.
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63114
Phone: (314) 428-2600
Fax: (314) 428-7888
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises. Our 30-person staff is based in St. Louis, Missouri.