1. "I want your honest feedback."

2. "I could be happy pastoring this church for the rest of my ministry."

3. "Feel free to call me at home anytime."

4. (to another pastor) "I hear only good things about your church."

5. "Great--everything has been going just great."

6. "It won't take much of your time."

7. "We have an exciting service planned."

8. "My spouse would love to."

9. (to your spouse) "The calendar will lighten up in a week or so."

10. (to a critic) "It took a lot of courage for you to share that with me."

Copyright (c) 1995 Christianity Today, Inc./LEADERSHIP Journal