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

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

What questions do you still have about listening and faith? Let’s keep the conversation going. Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. 🎙️🔥

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

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

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

What actually moves the needle for people when it comes to faith? What strategies are shaping the future of ministry?

Each episode of the Future of Faith Podcast brings together national research experts and ministry practitioners for real conversations about the cutting-edge data, trends, and insights that are reshaping faith communities today. Rooted in deep research and a commitment to listening, this podcast goes beyond theory to explore what truly helps people connect, grow, and engage.

Hosted by the team at Future of Faith, this is where research meets real-world ministry. Expect candid discussions, practical takeaways, and the latest findings on what’s working—and what’s not—for the next generation of faith leaders.

🔎 More at www.futureoffaith.org