Let’s be honest—when was the last time someone really listened to you? Not just nodded along or waited for their turn to talk, but truly heard you? Turns out, that kind of listening isn’t just good for relationships—it’s transformational for faith, especially among young people.
In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston dive into a game-changing new research study on listening and faith formation. And the results? They might just upend the way we think about ministry.
Listening > Preaching? 🤯
Traditional sermons have their place, but 67% of people say they grow in faith when they’re listened to. That’s a massive deal. The study shows that young people, in particular, don’t just want to be talked at—they want real relationships. They want to wrestle with their beliefs, process their thoughts, and feel heard without judgment.
The takeaway? Listening is not passive—it’s sacred. It builds trust, strengthens communities, and creates space for real spiritual growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why listening is one of the most powerful (and underrated) tools in ministry
✅ How understanding, not just preaching, makes for better leadership
✅ Why youth prefer conversations over traditional sermons
✅ How data can help us ask better questions in faith communities
✅ Why listening outperforms traditional methods for spiritual growth
So, What’s Next?
This episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into the research and its real-world applications. If you care about faith, ministry, or simply being a better listener, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:
👉 Sacred Listening Study
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Got thoughts? Feedback? A great story about the power of listening? Hit us up at hello@futureoffaith.org. We’d love to hear from you! 🎙️✨
Music by Treleon Music – used with permission
