The Glass House
Ministry Leaders and their families live in a “glass house”—an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses. Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. Listeners who work in the trenches of church life will feel seen and gain tools to navigate ministry and life. Those who live outside this "glass house" will better understand what it's like to dwell there. Join Ben and Lynley Mandrell for these shockingly confessional—yet redemptive—conversations.
The Glass House
142. The Ministry of Listening: Building Better Conversations and Stronger Teams
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
When was the last time you truly listened—not just to respond, but to understand?
In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore one of the most undervalued yet essential skills in ministry leadership: listening. Whether you're navigating staff dynamics, leading small groups, or caring for your congregation, your ability to listen well can make or break your effectiveness as a leader.
Ben and Lynley unpack the challenges of one-sided conversations, the power of emotional intelligence, and why self-awareness is key to becoming a better communicator. They also discuss the often-avoided topic of confrontation, encouraging leaders to embrace it in a constructive, grace-filled way. Finally, they offer practical advice on how to seek honest feedback to grow in communication and relational leadership.
This conversation is a must-listen for any ministry leader who wants to build healthier teams, deeper relationships, and a more effective leadership presence through the simple—but powerful—act of listening.
If this episode resonated with you, be sure to rate, review, and share the podcast with another ministry leader in your circle. Listening well is a lifelong journey, and we’re in it together.
SHOW LINKS:
