A Heart to Listen

Listening has become a lost art in a world that is growing ever noisier, more superficial and more stressed. Too many of us have forgotten not only about listening to others but also about listening to God, to our own hearts, to our wider communities - and even to our planet. Without listening, how can we hope to gain wisdom, to build deep and truly caring relationships with all kinds of people, to share our faith?

This accessible book shows how, with God's help, we can relearn the art of listening and in doing so become a source of help and healing for others and for ourselves. Biblical reflection is interwoven with insights from the author's wide experience of listening ministry in the UK and abroad. Between each chapter are episodes of an intriguing story, which explores the book's themes through vividly imagined characters in a cross-cultural setting.

The Revd Michael Mitton is Project Officer for Renewing Ministry in the Derby Diocese. He was previously Deputy Director of the Acorn Christian Foundation, heading up Acorn's Christian Listeners, and was Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries (ARM) 1989 - 97. He has written and co-authored a number of books, including Wild Beasts and Angels (DLT 2000), Restoring the Woven Cord (DLT 1995), Healing Death's Wounds (with Russ Parker, Eagle 2002) and Saints at Prayer (ARM 1994).

From: CLC World January/February 2005 Issue 49

This is an unusual book for two reasons. First it invites us to explore the art - or the heart - of listening, which the author probes from his own experience of the ministry of listening. Then, intertwined with this teaching, is the ongoing story of a fictional but disconcerting visit to rural Africa. There is much to absorb from both sections of this intriguing book. The material is not merely very readable but eminently practical - who couldn't learn something about listening to the people we hear - or don't really hear every day? And how can we hope to gain wisdom, to build deeply caring relationships, without knowing how to listen to God? Mitton's writing is not only scripture linked but also includes thought-provoking quotes from a variety of writers. I think it could be helpful to a wide range of people, and perhaps especially ministers who do pastoral work. I found it deeply moving in places and I know I must read it again!

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