One of the most important aspects of communications ministry is learning how to listen. Only by listening well can we understand how a ministry or ministry leader is being led by God to a certain work or area of impact. The goal in promoting any ministry is to share the vision and details clearly and concisely, and in a way that gives God all credit. It is difficult if not impossible to do this effectively if we don't truly understand what we are promoting. Worse, if we put "our own spin" on the ministry, we sidestep God with other motivations.

In the planning stage of any ministry or event, communications staff or volunteers should meet with or receive information from a pastor, lay leader or ministry leader. At some point in most projects a listening session is required. This initial meeting begins with our mouths closed and our ears open.

Don't talk at first. Gathering information is often accomplished through conversation, which involves more listening than talking. The temptation for anyone who has their "communications thing" down to a science to launch into opinion or alternatives immediately. Good listeners begin with open ears. They let others do the talking. They don't judge or process what is being said in real time. Instead, they sit back and take it in. Engage emotionally with who you are listening to.

Write it all down. You will be amazed at how much more information you'll receive when you enter a listening time with pad and paper. Write down key thoughts, basic information and plans and your questions as they pop into your mind. Listen for catch-phrases and sound-bites that may be useful and make special note of them. Write down scripture or biblical references that come to mind. Your recall increases threefold if you write down information versus just hearing it.

Understand the motive. The core of any ministry is its purpose--what God is calling us to be or do. As you hear plans and information, listen for insight into the purpose of the ministry. What is the motive behind the action? What is God directing the church to do in this particular event or program? The motive will help define the takeaway--the lasting impact the ministry is called to.

Ask good questions. Listening sometimes means asking questions. Make sure all the base questions for any event or ministry are covered--who, what, where, when, why, how? In the listing phase of planning, avoid questions that present your personal opinion of the ministry or program. "Don't you think there's a better way to go about this?" is not productive at this point. Instead, focus on questions that complete your information need. "You mentioned the start time--how long do you plan for the concert to last?"

Confirm in your own words. Confirm how well you have listened and understand the needs of a ministry by restating the core information in your own words. Summarize the facts and purpose of the event, and your understanding of what the ministry is all about. Use your own words--try not to repeat what has been said to you. Make a special note of items where your understanding did not match the leader's intent.

Get the big picture. Allow the leader to broaden the discussion beyond the specific event or ministry. Spend a little time listening to how the project you are working on fits into the overall ministry of the church. What's the big picture? How does this particular project affect the ministry as a whole? What led this leader to this particular project? How will your involvement contribute to what God is calling the church to accomplish?

Relationships are the key. In any ministry endeavor, understanding comes first from the relationships of those involved. We can't be good listeners if our relationship with ministry leaders is distant or even detached. When we share our lives with one another, we do more than enjoy fellowship and friendship. We develop an understanding of personal motivations and goals, and individual callings to ministry.

About the Author. Eugene L. Mason has more than two decades of experience in ministry communications and technologies. More...