We all know that listening is important—but until now, we didn’t have the data to back it up.
In this bonus episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Megan Bissell take us behind the scenes of the Listening and Faith Formation Research Project. They unpack why this study was necessary, how the data was collected, and what the findings mean for faith communities looking to build trust and relationships through listening.
Turns out, listening isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for faith formation. And now, there’s research to prove it.
Why This Study Matters:
📉 The gap in research was real. We had plenty of studies on sermons and teaching—but almost nothing on the impact of listening in faith communities.
🔬 Good research starts with good questions. This project wasn’t about proving a point—it was about genuinely exploring how listening shapes faith.
🤝 Collaboration was key. Bringing together researchers, faith leaders, and community voices made the study richer and more meaningful. (But also? Slower. Good research takes time!)
💡 The findings have real-world applications. This isn’t just theory—faith communities can use this data to integrate listening into their existing programs.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🔵 Why there was so little research on listening in faith
🟠 How trust and relationships are linked to listening
🟢 The power of combining quantitative & qualitative data
🔴 Why collaboration made this research stronger
🟣 How these insights can shape ministry and leadership
Research Is Just the Beginning
This study is a starting point—not the final word. The more we understand listening, the more we can use it to build stronger, more connected faith communities.
🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:
👉 Sacred Listening Study
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What questions do you still have about listening and faith? Let’s keep the conversation going. Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. 🎙️🔥
