Community Listening Guide
Community listening is a process of having conversations, connecting with local ministry partners and getting to know people in the community around the church. Broad listening provides a general picture of the assets, dreams and needs in the community. The process may also include deep listening to gather input on a specific issue or program.
People in the community have important ideas, insights, struggles, goals, and gifts. Good listening is an act of caring, showing that you respect people and value their perspective. Listening opens the door to greater trust, ownership and personal relationships. A listening process is also about discovering where God is already at work in the community. It builds connections with people and organizations already invested in the neighborhood.
Listening often leads to “aha!” insights for more strategic ministry that is grounded in the community’s assets and interests, and that doesn’t duplicate existing efforts.