The art of listening
It is clear that ministry has changed in the wake of the pandemic and as leaders we need to be willing to change with it. One of the most important skills we have to offer is listening! I do not know about you, but it seems life is moving so fast, and it becomes a juggling act to handle all of what life is throwing our way. It seems like our attention is widely sought after and changes are more frequent and as a result we must learn to be more flexible to new situations. Because of the many shifts and changes, we really should consider working to be better listeners so that we can better meet the needs of those we are leading.
According to a 2021 survey in Psychology Today, it was discovered that 96 percent of people think they are good listeners, yet people only retain about half of what others say. When this happens in ministry settings, it can create challenges that can interrupt and sometimes derail the amazing ways that God is working in our midst. When listening skills are poor, it can create hard feelings and misunderstandings that can keep us from reaching our full ministry potential.
As ministry leaders we really need to commit to listening more fully to those in our care. We can do this by:
Giving our full attention by putting down our cell phones and other distractions
Consider moving to a quieter space to ensure that you have the right environment to give your full attention.
Ask questions and ask for clarity to gain understanding. Questions allow the opportunity to gain better clarity and more insight, as well as communicating that you are truly listening
Pay attention to body language. This can give you a hint about the unspoken ways they may be feeling (defeated, upset, frantic, etc.)
When we become better listeners, we can expand the ways we show that we care. This provides us with the opportunity to help others to flourish and promote confidence in others, which leads to better outcomes and enriched relationships among church members.
We can take our cue from the ways that Jesus listened throughout His ministry. Recently, I read His encounter with the woman at the well and was reminded that Jesus took His time engaging with people, and He did not hurry. He gave his full attention and was willing to stop, listen, gain understanding, and draw others out. He did not rush into His agenda but spent time thoughtfully listening and asking questions and waiting for responses. It should be the same with us as we seek to help others grow in their ministry by fanning the flames and finding ways to help them discover their full potential.
Let us lean into finding the best strategies that work for us in listening to those who we share in ministry. Let the love of Christ shine through your efforts and be willing to open yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit to bring you to new heights, new revelations, and total transformation by learning the art of listening from the Master!
Sandy Coelho serves as lay leadership development coordinator at the Baptist Convention of New England.
