There are many kinds of ministry: preaching, teaching and music are only three types of ministry. There is also the ministry of presence, and the ministry of listening. To be present and ready to listen is something we all need to practise. Listening is indeed a vital part of ministry. I feel that listening is a lost art in our modern era. Listening is possibly the greatest gift you can give to each other. It is in listening we hear life stories that are important to people around us.
We are all so busy with our families, work and play that we have forgotten to listen to the pain of others. We all like to talk, and few of us like to listen - I mean truly listen. Listening can improve our relationships with family and friends and co-workers.
When we allow people to speak we also allow them to help themselves. In sharing their story they may be able to release inner and hidden emotions. Allowing these emotions to be expressed will help those who are grieving from loss of a loved one, dealing with the loss of a job, illness, or divorce to mention a few.
Everyone needs a safe place to tell their story. This is why support groups have become so popular and so very helpful in today's society. No one has time to listen to us so we seek professional therapy and outside intervention. The ministry of listening, the ministry of presence is hard work, but is also very rewarding work. Listening also means maintaining confidentiality all the time.
Paying attention is the first step to good listening. I had a friend who would always be busy doing house work when I would phone. I heard the dishes rattle or papers shuffling - I knew she had no time to listen and often I would cut my conversation short as I felt she had no time for me. She was not really listening to me speak.
Listening to someone allows them to:
Express what is locked up deep inside.
It allows people to identify with their inner most feelings.
It allows people to move beyond their pain.
We can help people feel happier, less frustrated and more relaxed.
We all need to feel that we are being heard and understood. It is a basic human need that we all have. It is just as important as having enough, food and water and healthy air to breathe.
The most rewarding years of my life were the years spent in "Ministry of Presence and Ministry of Listening." I encourage each one of our readers to practise the ministry of presence and the ministry of listening. This ministry will indeed be a rewarding time for you.
In the Bible story of Mary and Martha, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and was always ready to listen. May we be like Mary; always ready to offer a listening ear to others.
God gave us one tongue and two ears for a very good reason. We are to listen twice as much as we are to speak.
Margaret Anne Yost nursed for 35 years. Returning back to school she completed classes from the Red River College in the areas of Gerontology, Bereave-ment, Death and Dying. For twelve years she worked in bereavement support at a funeral home.
At present she is employed as an Interim Parish Worker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville Sask. She also enjoys her role as homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.
