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Human Care Ideas

June 2010

THE MINISTRY OF LISTENING

Think of a time you really felt cared for. Chances are someone focused on what you had to say, was attentive to your needs, and listened to how you felt instead of telling you how you should feel or what you should do.

Listening is one of the most powerful ministry tools at our disposal. It demonstrates that you care about the other person. You can become a more caring listener by understanding and applying these six listening concepts.

Listening is active. It takes energy and commitment to listen really well. Focus your attention on what the other person has to say, instead of thinking what you will say next. Look at him or her while you listen, and nod along from time to time so the person knows you’re tuned in.

Listening takes patience. Often you need to build trust before someone will open up to you. Constant, patient listening is a key.

Listening involves more than just words. Pay attention not only to what is said, but to what is not said-or to what is said with a smile or a sigh. Pay attention to body language, too. Does it agree with or contradict a person’s spoken words?

Good listeners aren’t completely silent. They restate key thoughts or ideas to be sure they understand correctly or ask focused questions to encourage the person to reach a little deeper.

Listening happens over time. One conversation might build upon an earlier one. As you listen over several conversations, are there any recurring themes or patterns in what the person has said? Are there any contradictions from what was said earlier? These are signs there may be more to explore underneath.

Listening is confidential. A great way to build that trust and to show the person you really care for him or her is to maintain confidentiality and not to share with others what was told to you in a private conversation.

Jesus was the model of a good listener. Much of his ministry was listening to people. By listening to what people had to say he demonstrated how much he really cared about them.

Did you know that -

Some other things to consider -

Prayer:
Oh Lord, Forgive me for the times I don’t want to listen to you or others. Turn and open my ears to your message. Use my ears to patiently listen and really hear. Help me to be there for someone who needs a listening ear. Help me not to argue, but listen, listen and listen some more. Thank you for always being there to listen to me. Amen.