LISTENING

Four years ago, I started the training to become a Stephen Minister. I completed the 52 hours of required material, but the training is ongoing. There is a great deal of emphasis on “listening.” We are told that God is the “curer,” and we are the “carers.” What about me, a “doer?” In my mind, listening is not doing. How can sitting for an hour and listening do anyone any possible good? Of course, there are professionals who make big bucks doing just that.

In spite of my skepticism, I persevered with the training. They even taught us not to be thinking ahead about what to do next while “listening.” (Someone knows me very well.) James adds his own emphasis: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak.” I need to listen more.

A couple of years ago, I assumed the position within Stephen Ministry of assigning care receivers to a Stephen Minister. This put me in the unique position of knowing who was receiving care. During this time, I have seen an amazing transformation in those receiving care. Not because of what the Stephen Ministers did, although they are very good Stephen Ministers, but because they listened. They were present once a week to listen to concerns. They are a caring presence.

— Mary Anne Noland

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist