Lynne Baab's excellent book came out last year, and in July I wrote a review of it for a local minister's journal. Somehow it never got published, but the book is such a gem I decided to post it here:
“Listen carefully; speak gently”. These words of
advice are Rev Dr Lynne Baab’s gift to her readers as she guides us through a
comprehensive examination of the power of listening in human relationships and
faith communities. Baab, who teaches pastoral theology at Otago University, introduces
her findings from over sixty in-depth interviews in a blend of academic
insights and practical theology, and offers suggestions as to how we can more
effectively listen to each other and to God.
The usual applications of listening
skills to effective pastoral care and thoughtful Bible study are covered well, but
Baab takes us deeper by examining how listening contributes to effective
mission and ministry. In a chapter on congregational decision-making, she
writes about churches characterised by a culture of discernment, where:
“Listening to God is emphasised
in sermons, practised at meetings, modelled by....leaders and encouraged for all
members.” P 75.
Our own church is focussing on
faith conversations this year, so this book arrived at a time of personal openness
to new wisdom in matters of listening and communication. Like many
congregations today, we are seeking to make authentic connections with people
in church and neighbourhood through sensitive listening to, and respect for,
individual stories. Baab makes a realistic assessment of the impact of culture
and technology on efforts to communicate in today’s society, and offers
thorough and practical explanation of ways listening enhances relationships
with God and others. “Listening”, she says, “honours each person’s journey.”
(p49)
Captivating notions such as
“double listening”, “holy curiosity” and “listening as hospitality” are
well-explained, and grounded in both theory and example. The familiar
roadblocks to communication are helpfully reframed as ‘obstacles to empathy’.
Baab’s illustrations of how anxiety and
humility impact good listening are memorable; I often felt like I was looking
in a mirror as she named my own experiences of listening and hearing. Chapter
8, “The Listening Toolbox” is a succinct and evocative guide that could well be
published separately as a useful parish training resource.
I appreciated the way each
chapter is linked with others in the book; this integration is explicit and helps the
reader navigate the oceans of engaging information. Connections are made with relevant literature
and research, as well as with Baab’s other books, such as her exploration of spiritual practices in
congregations, Joy Together (2012). Her academic background in communication
studies comes through clearly, but not in an intimidating way; the whole book is
very inviting and readable. Writing about spiritual practices and authenticity,
she says:
“(These practices) indicate our
willingness to listen, to abide and to be available to whatever God is doing in
our situation…fasting communally makes possible rich conversations about (addictive)
habits, and powerful prayers about how
to respond. Those conversations and prayers nurture authenticity. Praying using the body in various ways also nurtures authenticity because the body,
soul and spirit are united and we approach God with our whole selves.
Contemplative prayer encourages authenticity because we draw near to God with
our inner being. When communities engage in spiritual practices together, members
are able to talk with each other.. .. this feels real and honest, building trust
that God does empower those who open themselves.” (p 104)
The questions at the end of each
chapter are designed for individuals rather than groups; they range ‘deep and
wide’ and offer valuable reflection points for a workshop or retreat. Adapting
them for group study would be an excellent way to plumb further depths of this
material.
A few minor criticisms – some
typos early in the book were distracting and the absence of an index was
surprising. The role of listening in relation to charismatic gifts might have
widened the audience, and as a minister I would have liked even more specific coverage
of how congregations have exercised discernment as part of their
decision-making. That said, l enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a wide
audience; certainly one for the church library (but leaders can buy it on
Kindle!)
Baab, L. (2014). The Power of Listening: Building Skills for
Mission and Ministry. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield. (around NZ $20.00 plus
postage from Amazon, $12.00 on Kindle).
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