Future of Faith

?? Listening and trust go hand in hand. Steven describes how judgment shuts down meaningful conversation: “If I’m worried I’m not feeling accepted, or I’m feeling judged… I’m definitely gonna avoid certain aspects of a conversation… It’d be a conversation that really lacks substance, you know?” The takeaway? If people sense judgment, they won’t share what really matters. Leaders who listen without judgment create spaces where faith and connection grow. Who makes you feel heard? Drop their name in the comments. ???? Full results of the study including a whitepaper, podcasts and more: https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #faith

?? This is a wake-up call for faith leaders. Among teenagers, 67% say they grow in faith when someone listens to them, while only 33% say the same about hearing a sermon. If we want the next generation to engage, maybe it’s time to listen more and talk less. Full results of the study including a whitepaper, podcasts and more: https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #faith

Future of Faith #030 is out now! In this issue:? Listen...to the field????? The Playground: A Year of Renewal for Ministry Leaders. The Playground offers ministry leaders a year of renewal through ancient practices, immersive learning, and transformative pilgrimages. Listen...to each other: ??Faith, UX Design and the Punctuated Pause... Meet Aditi Shukla.?Aditi shares powerful insights on deep listening, faith-driven innovation, and human connection. Listen...to the research:??? How to See the Humanity in Anyone—The Power of Deep Curiosity. Scott Shigeoka reveals how deep curiosity can break barriers, build trust, and help us truly see the humanity in others. ?? Also... ???From the Field: It Was All a Dream:?Keedren Boston explores how much we really know about the people we serve. ???? A Million Dream Jobs???? Find Your Next Ministry Role on the CYMT Jobs Board!:?Explore new ministry job opportunities and find the perfect place to live out your calling.???? For a detailed view, you can read the full newsletter here. https://lnkd.in/gv9KHDk7 #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #stumin #kidmin #youthmin #campusministry #faith #God Josh Packard, Ph.D. Megan Bissell Keedren Boston Aditi Shukla

?? NEW Fact Sheet: Listening & Trust ?? Trust grows in relationships where people feel heard. ?? Our latest Trust & Influence Fact Sheet shows: ? 76% of teens & 70% of adults have high trust in people they know personally. ? Listening builds stronger, more connected faith communities. ? Trust isn’t assumed—it’s earned through real conversations. ? Download the fact sheet to see how listening strengthens trust! ?? Get the fact sheets, whitepapers, and more—FREE: ?? https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #trust #futureoffaith #faithformation #listeningissacred #pastors #ministry

?? Challenge for faith leaders: Try listening for 10 minutes without interrupting, advising, or checking your phone. Harder than you thought? You’re not alone. Research shows people are more likely to disengage from a community if they feel unheard. The good news? Listening can be learned. ?? Explore the data + get practical listening strategies: ?? https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #listeningissacred #church #ministry #faith #clergy #pastors

?? The Power of Listening in Youth Ministry ???? We talk a lot about teaching young people in faith communities—but what if the real power lies in listening instead? ?? ?? Research shows that listening is just as powerful—if not more—than traditional teaching. Young people don’t just need answers; they need validation, connection, and the freedom to process their beliefs out loud. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard explore how circle time creates a safe space for youth to share openly—leading to deeper faith and stronger community bonds. ?? Download, Listen & Watch Now on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts ?? Get the full study (whitepaper, data graphics & more): ?? https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #youthmin #faithformation #ministry #pastors #spiritualgrowth

?? Young adults aren’t rejecting faith—they’re redefining it. Among 19-25-year-olds: ? 30% say they have no religious affiliation. ? 60% identify as religious. ? 39% actively participate in a faith community. ? 74% say religion is important in their life. ? 86% say spirituality is important in their life. The data is clear: Religion isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. Are faith communities adapting? Full results of the study including a whitepaper, podcasts and more: https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #faith #youngadults

??? Faith-shaping moments start with listening. 8 in 10 U.S. teenagers say listening was important in the moments that shaped their faith the most. If faith communities want to be relevant, listening can’t be an afterthought. Full results of the study including a whitepaper, podcasts and more: https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #faith

?? People won’t open up if they fear being judged. 81% of adults say they feel more connected to someone when they listen without judgment. Faith communities want engagement—but are they creating spaces where people actually feel safe to share? Full results of the study including a whitepaper, podcasts and more: https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #faith

?? NEW Whitepaper: Listening & Faith Formation How does listening shape faith? Our research shows that 8 in 10 people say listening was key in their spiritual growth. ?? Our whitepaper explores how listening fuels trust, engagement, and deeper faith. Download it now! ?? Get the whitepaper, fact sheets, data graphics, and more—FREE: ?? https://lnkd.in/gDWBmt7G #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #faithformation #church #ministry