Today’s Reflection
Effective small-group leadership requires active listening. This type of leadership is an opportunity not to lecture but to invite people into authentic engagement and to prompt meaningful discussion. Active listening skills will help you hear the current needs of the group and respond in ways that encourage vulnerable sharing and spiritual growth. Your main role may be to get others to talk and to listen acutely so that you can engage with genuine concern and love. You can develop your active listening skills by focusing on nonverbal elements that communicate your interest and attentiveness. Make eye contact and lean in toward the person speaking. Nod and offer minimal encouragers that let the speaker know that you are listening. Authenticity is key.
—Angela D. Schaffner, Gather Us In: Leading Transformational Small Groups (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
When has someone’s attentive listening encouraged you or created a deeper sense of connection? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us.
—1 John 5:14 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Abba,
You have given me life.
You have filled me with your Spirit.
I am your child, not a slave to fear.
I am your child; light my path and guide my steps.
I am your child; hold me.
Hold me tight.
Amen.
(Adapted from Romans 8.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad by making a donation to The Upper Room in his honor or memory. Give today.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
Well I hope someone else finds this comment, that all of the NEM commentors realize they can go to the website. Perhaps the NEM administrators will realize there is an issue. I have my doubts regarding that due to it being Saturday.
Yesterday I egaged in mutual attentive and active listening with a young gentleman who is also firmly rooted in Christ. It was very rewarding for me and I believe for him also.
Megan and I had a most enjoyable day together and got many tasks completed or started. We will be together again tomorrow so no comments from me though I read yours.
Prayers for Ally and David and Marcy regarding health and finances. Prayers for jill and Larry regarding patience and forebearance. Prayers for Lou and her friends for safety and warm memories shared and new made. Prayers for Robert and his church and pastors, may all rejoice in their closeness and Christian love and frienship.
Thank you for your prayers and may God bless you all.
This has been demonstrated to me by members of my small group – both in a group setting and on a one-on-one basis. There examples has encouraged me to be a good listener, an active listener. I try not to interrupt or anticipate where the conversation is going, but to be present in the moment.
Another day to just enjoy timelessness, eat very casually outdoors, splurge with dessert at the restaurant following the meal, prolonging the simple pleasure of eating outdoors on a lovely late afternoon.
The day I left for the beach, I was watering my flowers and my phone slipped out of my holder and the screen cracked badly. My friend offered to try to fix it – so I ordered a kit. Well, after a few frustrating hours before and after our lovely meal, it was unsuccessful. So – I have an appointment first thing Monday morning to see if a repair shop can replace my screen. I don’t want to spend the money for a new phone.
My sister and her husband and I will be joining dad at his house tomorrow to celebrate his day. I am taking food to grill and my sister is bringing a salad and dessert. Hoping it will be a special day for him.
Add Comment