John Maxwell | The Secret Sauce of Relationships | Keep Talking

In this message, best-selling author, teaching pastor — and most importantly, our friend — Dr. John Maxwell, shared how to make people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Use this guide to keep talking about how to lift others up and bring hope to those around you!

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

• The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives. 
• People who live long lives do so because they have deep, sincere friendships outside of their family.
• If you can’t get people to get along with you, you’ll never get people to go along with you. 
• The secret sauce of relationships: You must be intentional in focusing on others.
• Encouragers connect. Discouragers correct. 
• “Optimism is the belief that things will be better. Hope is the faith that together we can make things better.” Jonathan Sacks

KEY SCRIPTURES

• Philippians 2:4
• 1 Peter 3:15

START TALKING 

• Dr. John Maxwell said he was paid to read books as a child. What’s your favorite book (or would you need to be paid to read a book)?

KEEP TALKING

• How good are you at relationships, on a scale of 1-10? Why did you give yourself that ranking? 
• Dr. Maxwell said, “People want to feel special, so make them feel special.” When’s the last time someone made you feel special? Talk about it. 
• People want to feel valued, so value them. Who in your life needs to be reminded that they’re valued this week? How can you add value to their life? 
• This message taught us that we all have an eagle and a hippo inside us; part of us wants to soar, and the other part wants to wallow in the mud. In what areas of your life do you feel more like an eagle, and where do you feel more like a hippo? What helps you shift between the two?
• What would it look like to “get over yourself” this week so you can intentionally focus on others?

KEEP IT GOING

• Dr. Maxwell said good books and good friends make a good life. Commit to picking up some books this summer and growing in your knowledge. If you need a recommendation, check out our list of books every leader needs. 
• Remember this week to look for opportunities to:
  • Make people feel special. 
  • Value people.
  • Encourage people. 
  • Listen to people. 
  • Help people win. 
  • Give people hope.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for making us feel so special. Help us to be intentional in our relationships, to listen well, and to offer hope where it’s needed most. Make us encouragers who reflect your heart and bring light into the lives of others. Amen.