Ep.358 – Run With Horses Podcast – Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers

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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Part 1:Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers1. Introduction* Introduce the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its relevance in the Christian life, particularly in leadership and discipleship.

1. What is Emotional Intelligence?* Definition of Emotional Intelligence:
   Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. It involves four key components:

   • Self-awareness: Recognizing one's emotions and their impact.
   • Self-control: Managing and controlling one's emotional responses.
   • Empathy: Understanding the emotions of others and responding appropriately.
   • Compassion: The desire to help

   • Social skills: Building relationships and communicating effectively.Example:

   • Self-awareness: A disciple maker who can recognize their frustration with a fellow believer and chooses to address it in a godly manner rather than reacting impulsively.

   • Empathy: Listening attentively to someone in pain, offering comfort as Christ would, instead of offering quick solutions or judgments.

   • Biblical Example of Emotional Intelligence:

   • Jesus’ Emotional Intelligence: Jesus exhibited all four aspects of EI.

     • Self-awareness and Self-regulation: In Mark 14:34–36, Jesus shows emotional vulnerability, yet chooses God's will over His feelings.

     Mark 14: 32 - Empathy, Compassion and Social Skills: Jesus empathized with people, showing compassion. In John 11:33–36, He wept with Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus, showing deep emotional connection and compassion.

2. Why is Emotional Intelligence Important for Christians?* Discipleship and Emotional Intelligence:

   • Emotional intelligence helps disciple makers understand the emotional state and needs of others. Effective disciple making requires patience, compassion, and the ability to manage one's own emotions.

   • Biblical Foundation:

     • Ephesians 4:2-3 –

       • This passage emphasizes emotional control (lowliness, gentleness) and empathy (bearing with one another).
         • Developing Relationships with Others: Jesus’ ministry was deeply relational, and He connected emotionally with people.

     • Matthew 9:36 –

     • Jesus ability to understand and connect was key to His effective ministry and discipleship.
     • Practical Application for the Church:

   • Proverbs 15:1 –

   • Galatians 6:2 –

3. Thinking Deeply * Reflect on:

   • A time when they experienced emotional stress in ministry or discipleship.
   • How emotional intelligence (or lack thereof) impacted the outcome.

Part 2: Developing Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers1. Recap* Briefly recap the key points

1. Deep Dive: How to Develop Emotional Intelligence* Self-awareness and Self-control:

   • James 1:19 –

     • Practice slowing down our reactions and reflecting before responding. Teach that self-awareness is about recognizing triggers and the emotions behind them.

     • Learn to listen WELL.

       • Psalm 139:23-24 –

     • Develop self-awareness through prayer, asking God to reveal any emotional blind spots.

       • Self-control through Scripture:

     • Galatians 5:22-23 –

       • Spiritual growth is the foundation of developing emotional intelligence.
       • These virtues align with the emotional self-control we need as Christians. Developing the fruit of the Spirit is key to emotional stability.
       • Empathy:

   • Romans 12:15 –

     • Empathy requires actively engaging with others’ emotions, whether in joy or sorrow.

       • Philippians 2:4 –

     • Developing empathy requires intentionality—seeing and caring about others deeply.

     • Pause and ask yourself about the emotional state of other people. Consider WHY they feel they way they do. Seek Understanding.
     • Social Skills:

   • Colossians 3:12-14 –

     • Social skills are rooted in humility and kindness, and effective communication flows out of a heart that is filled with love. Listen to understand!
     • Spend time with people. Look for opportunities to develop deep and lasting relationships. Put their interests first!
     • Practical Strategies for Developing EI:

   • Daily Reflection and Prayer: Incorporate a time of self-reflection each day to assess your emotional responses and ask the Holy Spirit for help.

   • Consider journaling your thoughts and addressing the way you responded to people throughout the day. Ask yourself if you could have responded in a way that better exhibits the fruit of the spirit.
   • Active Listening: Practice listening without responding immediately, making sure to validate the emotions of others. Learn to ask clarifying questions.
   • Accountability Partnerships: Form small groups or one-on-one accountability relationships to help one another grow in emotional maturity.

Doctrine of the Month

The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making

– “Thank you for listening today!

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."