The blogging community has taught me three things:
1. We all have something to say
2. We have a need to be heard
3. We want to know that our thoughts are valued
I am no different. It appears to me that these are pretty basic staples of human needs.
There are obvious implications for ministry here, but I’m not quite sure what they are. How would our churches be different if members experienced freedom to share their heart knowing that others would listen and be genuinely interested in what they have to say? What if ministry revolved more around listening to people instead of preaching to them? What if we did more to intentionally communicate love through listening and valuing people’s thoughts? What would this look like for the local church? Or do we already have a fair balance between listening, affirming, and returning heart-felt communication? I’m not really sure where I’m going with all this — just some thoughts I’ve been mulling over for a week or so. Anyone have ideas? (I promise I will listen and value what you have to say.) 
About me: I am married to my beautiful wife, 
November 14th, 2005 at 8:44 pm
hi…random comment. (i came here from david’s blog..you had commented on the new entry)
Great thoughts….this entry is actually quite quoteable. I believe greatly in your 3 staples, and the general idea that listening is very important. so yea…good entry. just thought i’d say so.
God bless,
lara
November 14th, 2005 at 8:57 pm
hi! thanks for the comment u left on my blog. i agree with what you’ve written in this entry. communication is something that is lacking greatly in churches, and even the world today. we should pray that all christians be lights that listen first to people’s needs, then communicate God’s love:)
November 14th, 2005 at 9:06 pm
It seems like you’re on the right track - I think we need lots more listening. Didnt your mother tell you that you have 1 mouth and 2 ears for a reason.