The Listening Hearts Ministry supports those who are seeking to understand what they are called to do when faced with decisions or challenges. This program relies on trained, supportive friends and colleagues and parishioners who can help the seeker find their way. Are you being called to use your time and talents as a discerner in the Listening Hearts Ministry?
Discerners are trained in a multi-session intensive course of spiritual formation and spiritual discernment; and practicum sessions to prepare to gather as a group of Listening Hearts discerners for members of the congregation. Carefully designed sessions give special emphasis to issues of call, discernment, and community that form the basis of the Listening Hearts Ministries discernment model. Participants gain clear understandings of how discernment can be incorporated into their personal lives and the life of the congregation by practicing prayerful listening, imaginative engagement with Scripture, and guidance to be more attuned to signs of the Spirit.
The workshops are beneficial to those wanting only to gain basic knowledge of discernment concepts, and for those seriously interested to incorporate spiritual discernment into the everyday lives of their spiritual journey; and to become Listening Hearts discerners.
The training program agenda includes a variety of activities that engage participants directly in the learning process. Several broad themes are introduced and covered at varying depths. Short presentations on various aspects of discernment form the foundation of the program, and meditative exercises are incorporated for first-hand experience of the concepts. Selections of hymns and prayers complement the session(s); and opportunities for participants to share their reflections with others help to round out the workshop. To build a theological and Scriptural foundation, participants are asked to read the following book in preparation for training.
Likewise, this book is very supportive to individuals or groups beginning the spiritual discernment process:Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community - Farnham, Gill, McLean, and Ward
Other helpful Listening Hearts book titles are available for check-out from: Canon Verger, Brooks Mason - masonb@stpaulcathedral.org; 619-298-7261 x325
The national Listening Hearts Ministries Website offers a wide array of programs and resources that give participants a foundation for leading discernment educational programs, book discussions, and retreats for members of their congregation . All discernment is designed to help both individuals and members of a group to recognize and respond to God's call for particular needs or specific circumstances. Discernment Program Areas Include: Discernment for Ministry; Spiritual Discernment; Training Program for Trainers; Consensus Building and Decision-Making; Spiritual Conflict Resolution; Search Committees; Church Mission Statements; Clergy Programs; Custom Programs
For Individual or Group Discernment Contact: Susan Ward at 619.437.7287 or susanward961@sbcglobal.net
For Upcoming Discerner Training Workshops Contact: Terry Kelly, 619 299 9808; terrence.kelly@cox.net ; Caroline Morse, 619 233 3747; chmorse1@cox.net
“Pay attention, come to me; listen and your soul will live.” – Isa 55.3 JB
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