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Listening Circles

Facilitated Dialogue among Church Members and Friends about Difficult Issues

 “Understanding each other can be a liberating experience.” 
—Introduction to Listening Circles participant
2002 Congregational Leaders’ Workshop 

Answers to frequently asked questions

Goal 

The goal of a Listening Circle is to cultivate understanding. Participants share their thoughts and hear one another’s perspectives in order to gain a better understanding of views. 

Concepts 

• Dialogue Instead of Debate—The spirit of a Listening Circle is to acknowledge and honor the worth of all present. Even when people disagree, there is respect for all points of view.
• Understanding Instead of Compromising—Searching for understanding is not about compromising to reach middle ground. It is about focusing on values and concerns that the group shares. 
• Genuine Questions—Inquiries are based on real curiosity and a sincere interest to hear the answers.  

Benefits

• Develops and enhances relationships among participants 
• Begins to rebuild trust—person to person and members to church leaders 
• Develops and strengthens skills needed to discuss deeply held beliefs and values while staying committed to the group 
• Develops a “safe space” for all voices 
• Offers a tool for discernment  

A Listening Circle is not a decision-making process.

A Listening Circle can be used as a preparatory process for talking about an issue that may eventually involve a decision. It can help create a climate for compassionate, qualitative decision making. It is imperative to the integrity of the process that Listening Circles be used only to generate understanding, not to reach decisions.  

Requirements for Success

• An Attitude of Acknowledging God’s Spirit—God is present and working in the midst of the process.
• Active Listening—Paraphrase what has been stated to ensure that each participant’s point is correctly interpreted. 
• Small Groups—Bring together four to ten participants. Be sure to welcome and include people who have a variety of perspectives.  
• Trained Facilitators—Skilled facilitators must be trusted by the group to guide the group in an unbiased manner, without asserting their own perspective. They will serve as model and coach for “active listening” and “genuine questions” and maintain a safe environment by upholding the Listening Circle guidelines. 
• Storytelling—Have people speak from personal experience. 
• Speak as “I” instead of “We”—Speak for oneself instead of one’s “side,” and avoid generalizations. 
• Trust Building—Opening questions not related to the issue help people learn about one another, gain a sense of safety, and practice authentic listening. 
• Examining Stereotypes—Identify and dismantle misperceptions of others and oneself. 
• No Agenda—The only purpose is to gain understanding of other perspectives.
• Guidelines—Guidelines for participation should be shared at the beginning and adhered to throughout the process. 

Listening Circle Process 

• Contact the World Church Peacebuilding Ministries office (contact information below). 
• Meet with lead trainers to develop Listening Circle plan. 
• Facilitators receive Listening Circle training. 
• Schedule and participate in a Listening Circle.
• Evaluate the experience. 

For more information about Listening Circles or if you would like to purchase a VHS or DVD copy of this overview, contact 

Sandee Gamet
Peacebuilding Specialist
1001 W. Walnut
Independence, MO 64050 USA
(816) 833-1000, ext. 2353
1-800-825-2806, ext. 2353
sgamet@CofChrist.org

News - The first congregation to complete a Listening Circle series shares their experience. (8/27/04)