The listening team should be assembled by the pastor or leader who conducted the congregational listening campaign. The pastor would be wise to choose individuals for the team who are already proven leaders, have an openness for community work, and have the time to commit to the project. The team could consist of 8-12 members of which the pastor should be included. I strongly discourage randomly selecting team members or asking for volunteers. Constructing and supporting the listening team is one of the most challenging aspects of this process. The people you organize can make or break the process of revitalization so please contact us at NOT DEAD YET to get setup for success in your campaign.

Doing the Work

The listening team members should undergo training on how to conduct 1-1 interviews and be given an orientation to the project. Each interview should include an agreed upon set of interview questions compiled by the team ahead of time. Each interview would also conclude with a referral question: who else should we speak with? Will you help make a connection for me? This allows new interviewees to be discovered beyond the relational network of church members and avoids the ineffective cold-call strategy. At the end of each round of interviews, the team members should gather together to share their findings, discover patterns, and support one another. After 25-30 total team interviews patterns will begin to emerge, but each team member will deepen their understanding and commitment to the community as the team continues it work in subsequent interviews. The concrete result of community listening is the beginning stage of a transformed congregation. Patterns of opportunities and need will emerge from a process of community listening. Even more importantly, the team itself will emerge as a knowledgeable and empowered group of lay people with a high-level commitment to the community. The pastor and lay leaders will have listened, both internal and externally, and are prepared to be equipped to God’s work. If you and your congregation are ready for revival let us know! We can directly facilitate the process in your congregation or provide clergy coaching. Check out the NOT DEAD YET website for more information. If you sign up for a Congregational Renewal Process (which includes congregational and community listening campaigns) by the end of 2019 you will receive a 10% discount.