Circle Time
by Keedren Boston, Ministry Practitioner
One of my favorite things I get to do every Sunday morning is gather with students alongside the incredible leaders who serve with me. We sit together in circles based on grade levels and ask intentional questions; not just to teach or inform, but to learn. We learn about their lives, their dreams, their struggles, and the unique ways God is working in them. And in turn, they learn about us and, maybe more importantly, they learn about each other. (see below for an overview)
It’s easy to feel like we’re serving others well when we share what we know, offering guidance or wisdom in the hopes it will resonate, inspire, and refresh. And often, it does. But here’s what I’ve discovered: as leaders, we have to be careful not to overlook something vital.
Our youth have a voice. A voice given to them by God.
Our youth have a voice. A voice given to them by God. That voice doesn’t come from us, but what can come from us is a platform for it to be heard. When we create space for students to share what they know, who they love, and how God is moving in their lives, something incredible happens. We stop being just teachers and start becoming listeners.
In these moments, we learn more about the students we serve than we ever could by simply teaching. We learn what’s on their hearts, who they are praying for, and the stories that shape their lives. But even more, they learn to Love and serve their neighbor; the person sitting right next to them in that circle. After all, what good is knowing all about God’s Word if we don’t live it out in community? Loving God and loving others are inseparable, and that kind of Love requires intentional effort and action.
I think about how rare it is, (no matter our age) to have an audience that is genuinely tuned in and listening. Not listening while waiting for their turn to speak, but listening with the kind of attention that says, You matter. What you say matters. I’m here for it. I’m here for you.
That’s what Circle Time is all about: creating a space for voices to be heard, for hearts to connect, and for God’s Love to move between us in a way that only happens when we slow down and truly listen.
So here’s my encouragement to you. Whether you’re in ministry, parenting, or simply walking through life with others, make space for someone else’s voice. Ask a question that goes beyond the surface. Sit in silence if that’s what it takes. And when they speak, really listen. You might be surprised by what God reveals, not just about them, but about His heart for you, too.
Sometimes, the greatest ministry we can offer isn’t in what we say but in how we listen. Until next time, keep listening and keep learning.
Circle Time Overview
We start every Circle by introducing a Talking Piece (any object, like my mini elephant that just signals who to focus on. Don’t overthink it). This helps us stay focused and follow along as we listen to each other during our time together. We have some basic guidelines for our time together:
- Honor the Talking Piece and the person holding it.
- One person speaks at a time.
- Respect one another’s responses.
- Share at the level you feel comfortable.
- Feel free to pass if needed.
Sample Questions:
1. If you had a $100 gift card and you had to spend it on someone else, who would that person be?
2. What is something you enjoy doing?
3. What is something you don’t enjoy but you need to do?
4. What is something you’re excited about or you’re looking forward to?
From the Field is a place for the voices of people who are doing direct ministry in the spirit of listening and relational formation. At Future of Faith, we strive to combine the best insights from research and practical lessons from people in ministry to help build a movement of relational ministry rooted in listening.