Chaplaincy Studies

Lesson 9 ~ The Listener

By:  Rev. Trent

 

Write a short paragraph on what you have learned about active listening skills and its value to your ministry.   Listening has always been not only the road to knowledge, but a great way of showing concern to your fellow human being.  I remember many times, especially with youngsters/teens when they would stop in just to say hello and wanted to chat the beginning sentence of phrase was usually "…..no one will listen to me".  My reply to them would be in a fatherly form….tell me what's on your mind.  They would go on about how older brothers or sisters or parents just don't seem to have the time to listen and how they feel unwanted or ignored.  I always try to impress on them they are all very much wanted and needed and are very important to everyone.  Then I sit and listen.  Some just want to say hello and some may really have something bothering them deeply.  I try not to show that I may be in a hurry or need to be somewhere (there are no clocks in my office except for a clock on the computer…I do not wear a watch so this doesn't give me the opportunity to keep looking at it.  I try to give them, no matter who it is, my undivided attention.  I always remember some people are or can be very troubled about something not only teens.  I usually have certain times for office hours and I do try to keep to that schedule…including one day out of the week for evening hours, by appointment.  I also remind them everything said between us is just that…between us and is sacred.  This seems to put everyone who comes to me more at ease.  Listening can be the greatest tool and very valuable for future conversations.  I also try not to take hand written notes, these can be seen by others and often misunderstood if the whole conversation is not there, because they are only getting bits and pieces.  Listening can be and is the most powerful tool we may have.

 

GO IN PEACE