The Best Practices Of Ministry Listening 

Henry Reyenga

Listening More Central In Communication

If you are at all typical, listening takes up more of your waking hours than any other activity. A study of persons of varied occupational backgrounds showed that 70 percent of their waking moments were spent in communication. And of that time, writing took 9 percent, reading absorbed 16 percent, talking accounted for 30 percent, and listening occupied 45 percent. Bolton, Robert (2009-11-24). People Skills (p. 30). Touchstone. Kindle Edition. 


Good Listeners Are Rare

The foundation of people skills for ministry is listening.

Unfortunately, few people are good listeners. Even at the purely informational level, researchers claim that 75 percent of oral communication is ignored, misunderstood, or quickly forgotten.

Bolton, Robert (2009-11-24). People Skills (p. 30). Touchstone. Kindle Edition. 


Listening Defined

Really hearing

Listening, on the other hand, refers to a more complex psychological procedure involving interpreting and understanding the significance of the sensory experience.  In other words, I can hear what another person is saying without really listening to him.

Bolton, Robert (2009-11-24). People Skills (p. 32). Touchstone. Kindle Edition. 


Maintain Eye Contact

Eye contact in ministry or life is very important.

It is a non-verbal people smart skill that is essential in listening.


Ask God To Help You Understand

There is a tendency to let your mind wander when you are listening to people.


The Mind Wander Habit

When someone talks are you really there? Is your mind too busy thinking up what to say as soon as someone stops talking? Are you spacing out while someone is talking? 

Effective listeners quiet their mind, will and problem solving tendencies when they are listening. 


Do Not Interrupt 

Interrupting is a behavior that is taught in some homes. It is like a competition to get your word in. 

Avoid Avoidable Distractions Or Actions 

Avoidable Distractions:

Technology

Phone or Smartphones

Personal "buttons” - Put aside your issues for the moment.  

Pay Attention To What And How The Speaker Is Communicating 

Listen to what is said not what you think they are saying. 

Ask Questions For Understanding  

When you do not understand what is said, ask questions for clarification. 

Relate The Feeling Expressed

Connect not only with the thinking, but also to the feeling.

"George, you feel sad?” 

Summarize 

Summarize the meaning of conversations.

You will be surprised how many times you see this is very important. 

Last modified: Monday, August 6, 2018, 12:55 PM