Overview

Listening skills, and the perspective gained through careful listening, are more important in congregations than ever. Many factors make attentive listening a significant contributor to healthy congregations. As we enter into a post-Christendom culture, the people coming into congregations, as well as the people in the wider community, are less likely to be operating from a shared set of assumptions. With world-wide migration reshaping our communities and congregations, diverse perspectives coming from varied cultural backgrounds are also more common. The breakdown of many support structures in society has created profound pastoral care needs, making listening increasingly significant for both ministers and lay leaders. Polarization over so many issues and the increasing emphasis on story-telling in the journey of faith are two additional reasons why listening matters today. Careful and loving listening nurtures care, connection and depth, which contribute to congregational life and health. Listening to God is another aspect of listening which is gaining increased attention today. Many congregational leaders have become weary of church as a business and are looking for authentic experiences of God's guidance. Congregations are increasingly engaging in communal discernment. Many listening skills used in human interactions are also building blocks for listening to God.

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9781566997119

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Scripture calls us to Listen, and The Power of Listening: Building Skills for Mission and Ministry shows us how it's possible to follow that call. In this inspiring and practical book, Lynne Baab weaves together wisdom from her years as a pastor, scholar of communication, and daily follower of Jesus, with interviews of people around the world who are committed to listening to God and neighbor. A helpful guide to listening for churches and all people in them, this book is a powerful and much-needed aid to spiritual growth. -- Susan S. Phillips, Executive Director and Professor of Sociology and Christian Studies, New College Berkeley, Graduate Theological Union In a world oversaturated with 'express yourself!' Lynne Baab has given us a cup of cool water on the art, science, and theology of listening! -- Corey Schlosser-Hall Ph.D, Executive Presbyter, North Puget Sound Presbytery This remarkable book provides a wide array of tools and practices to nurture spiritual growth through understanding the powerful role of listening - personally, professionally, and in community. The concepts of holy listening, holy curiosity and receptivity spark understanding, the stories inspire, and the provocative questions hit the mark. It is a must read for anyone who yearns to participate in and facilitate an environment for transformation. -- Kay Lindahl, CLP, Founder, The Listening Center, Author of The Sacred Art of Listening

Author Information

Lynne M. Baab (M.Div., Ph.D. in communication) is a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister, lecturer in pastoral theology and author of numerous books about congregational life and Christian spiritual practices, including Fasting, Sabbath Keeping and Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation. Visit her website at www.lynnebaab.com.

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