What if the key to faith formation isn’t more sermons—but more listening?
For decades, faith communities have relied on preaching and teaching to shape spiritual growth. But what if we’ve been missing something even more fundamental? Our latest research reveals that being listened to is one of the most powerful drivers of faith development—especially for young people.
📊 Key Findings from the Study:
✅ 8 in 10 people say that listening played a critical role in the moments that shaped their faith the most.
✅ 73% of adults and teens report that they grow in faith when someone listens to them share their beliefs without judgment.
✅ Only 46% of adults and 33% of teens say that sermons help them grow in faith.
Why Listening Matters More Than Ever
Faith formation isn’t just about teaching the right lessons—it’s about creating space for people to wrestle with their beliefs, ask hard questions, and feel heard.
When leaders prioritize listening over lecturing, we see:
🔹 More engagement: People are more likely to participate in faith activities when they feel heard.
🔹 Deeper spiritual growth: Listening helps people process doubt, grief, and disillusionment.
🔹 Stronger retention: When people feel unheard, they are more likely to withdraw from their faith communities.
The Shift We Need in Ministry
💡 What if we trained faith leaders not just to preach—but to listen? Our data suggests that faith communities must move toward relationship-driven formation, where listening is just as central as teaching.
🔗 Explore the full study, fact sheets, whitepapers, and more—FREE:
