Tues.6.2.15...Principles of PERSUASION- part 2...Prov.17:1-13

Yesterday we noted that leadership is intentional influence. Godly leaders know there is a better way than the bad or mediocre lives many are living, so they must influence them or persuade them to follow. If he can't persuade, then he can't lead. "He that thinketh he leadeth and no one followeth, taketh a walk." So what are the keys to increasing your influence or PERSUASION powers? We looked at the following yesterday-
P- Pleasant words and tones. "Pleasant words make a man persuasive" Prov.16:21.
E- Encourage. Cheer their victories and comfort their sorrows. People will want to follow you.
R- Rapport. Build rapport or common ground. Look for at least one thing you both enjoy.
S- See their better future. Share how you believe going God's way will look for them.
U- Urgency. People often procrastinate. Help them to take action, sooner than later.

Let's now look at 3 more of the principles of effective communication which all leaders study and practice. And the one we will begin with now, is the probably the most important of all, yet some people cower from using it. It is...

A- Ask! Just ask! Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you" Mt.7:7. Little children are great at asking, but many adults now shy from it. I'm in sales and surprisingly some men need to be coached to ask for the order. They hem and haw, fearing rejection. Would they fear such if they knew that the person actually wanted what they were offering? Of course not. Stop fearing rejection. It's the doorway to more. Want to multiply many manly men, and thus make a great impact with your life? Then don't fear rejection. Ask! We all are committed to talking to at least one man a week about M3. Plus, we award you for asking others to join M3 (Remember, you get double points in the R column for every Christian man you talk with about M3.) Want to AMP up your results? Ask More People. 

Single guys, when you find Miss Right, at the right time, ask the big question.* Want a raise? Ask for it. Need help in some area of your life? Ask for it. And don't forget to ask God. "You do not have because you do not ask God" Ja.4:2. Ask for better terms or a discount. Ask for the desired position or better hours. Yes, you may need to prepare what you're going to say, especially if you're a bit nervous, but ask! On our summer vacation last year, we were discussing the power of asking as we ate at Arby's. On a dare, my son walked up to the counter and asked if he could have a free refill on a Jamocha shake. I couldn't believe it, when he came back with it! Ask!

S- Speak with conviction. Conviction is so convincing. Really believe in what you are saying and people will believe you. The apostle Paul spoke with such conviction, persuading both Jews and Greeks to turn to the Lord. Speak with conviction. Years ago I heard a tape recording of a message I delivered that was so monotone. Boring! I work at not being such. Do you need to work on expressing with conviction what you really believe? Then listen to others who speak with conviction and then work on your own persuasive style. One of the most convincing people I've heard speak about M3 is Jack Rogers. He speaks with such conviction and passion from his heart. He's even got a plan for taking M3 to other New Life pastors he knows. Wow!

I- Interest. Show sincere interest in others. People are interested in listening to those who are interested in them. So ask questions regarding things that are on people's HEARTS-such as their Home-life, Employment, Activities, Relationships, Travel and Spiritual interests. 

Here's a question that will take you to people's deepest interests and concerns- "If you could get help from anyone on anything, what would it be?" Then see if you know of any person, book or organization that could help them. Even if you can't, you will have helped them clarify things. If it's something sensitive they've shared, let them know you will be praying for them. Kindly ask later how they are doing with such. Show a genuine interest in people. Christ sure does with us! (See Phil.2:3-4 and then see Israel Fuentes' real estate business cards. He puts others' interests above his own. No wonder he does so well.)

The last two letters of PERSUASION are hugely important, but we will have to wait until tomorrow to reveal them.

Announcements
*Way to go Gary! He proposed to Jacinda whom he has been dating for the past two years and she said, Yes! Here's a well known factoid for some of you and a surprise to others- Gary will be the son-in-law of Robert. Should we make a new standard for our daughters? "They are free to marry, so long as it's in the Lord and in M3." 

Welcome Jose Billegas! Jose has been saved and coming to New Life for only 6 months, so we are all  the more happy to have him with us. He just turned 28 this past Saturday and got married on the same day to Angela. He also just started a new job yesterday, yet all this is not stopping him from eagerly jumping in with us. So kudos to Jose! Also I want to commend George Doherty for inviting Jose to join. Men, there are guys out there like Jose who are eager to join. You just need to share with them your story, the M3-stories video (bit.ly/m3-stories) and encourage them to join. 

So good to see the way that several of you are serving so well and thus scoring so well on the board. The board is just a partial reflection of your love for others and the Lord. I'm right proud of you!