When Nathan Foster taught spiritual formation at a university, he would break his class into small groups and give these simple instructions: You best serve others by listening and not talking. Don’t give advice or try to manage the lives of others. Your main task is to listen.

Have you ever been a part of a small group where listening is a priority, where cross-talk is not allowed, where the words ​“you know what you oughta do” are off limits? It’s a powerful experience.

Safe listening spaces make it possible for someone to say what they’ve kept bottled up. Words spill out that often surprise the one saying them. To listen attentively without a critical spirit gives the person sharing the gift of discovering what’s in their own heart. And when we know what’s in our heart we can better surrender our heart to God.

This month we launched a new podcast called Friends in Formation that aims to make listening a priority. Three Renovaré Ministry Team members — Richella Parham, James Catford, and Nathan Foster — all from very different Christian traditions and backgrounds, discuss questions on life and faith. Their goal is to listen and learn from each another, even and especially if there is disagreement. If you have a question you’d like them to consider, send it on over to [email protected]. 

Peace of Christ to you,