Am reading about listening in congregation. The author suggests that listening is a critical skill in small groups. She discusses the model lIke ours where a lay leader provides oversight for a few small groups By meeting regularly with the leader of the assigned group. Our sitúation is that nobody wants to take leadership in our group.
This is a quote from her book which I find valuable, “According to my interviewees, what makes a group successful is that the members are able to talk honestly about their faith and their lives in the presence of people who genuinely listen. Nancy Ammerman’s research echoes the perspective of my interviewees. Small groups in congregations provide a significant place for people to grow in their ability to figure out and articulate the intersection of their faith and their everyday lives.”
That's interesting that you should write about listening. The Servant Team offered training for PALS leaders back on March 4, 2023 and the subject was listening. This was supposed to be the first of several 'training' sessions for PALS leaders. Turns out it was the only training that occurred as the Servant Team never initiated another session. I can't remember exactly but only 2-3 PALS leaders attended that Saturday.