By Joel Comiskey, How to Lead a Great Small Group
Saying no to distractions is essential—but what about the yeses that shape our lives and ministry?
Last month, we reflected on the importance of concentration—specifically saying “no” to the many distractions that creep into our lives and ministries. But the Christian life isn’t only about saying no. It’s also about knowing what to say yes to.
In cell church ministry, two yeses rise to the top: listening to God and listening to one another.
Listening to God
Ralph Neighbor coined the phrase listening room to describe the devotional life. Listening to God must be our priority, but sadly, many pastors and leaders rush into the day without spending regular time with Jesus. Some excuse themselves by saying, “I spend lots of time in God’s Word preparing sermons and lessons.” Preparation is valuable, but it’s not the same as listening.
Listening to God is about allowing Him to speak to us personally—receiving His grace, direction, and correction. It’s about meeting Him in His Word outside of sermon preparation, sitting quietly in His presence, and allowing His Spirit to shape us into Christlikeness. Time in the listening room makes us more like Jesus, which is the goal of the Christian life.
Listening to One Another
We also need to listen well to people. Recently, I met a couple who constantly talked over each other. Neither seemed to truly listen. Pastors are often guilty of the same problem—we’re trained and paid to speak. We prepare sermons, conduct weddings and funerals, teach classes, and lead meetings. However, if we’re not careful, our listening muscles can become weak.
In cell ministry, listening is a non-negotiable requirement. The best cell leaders are listeners. The best coaches guide primarily by listening. Listening communicates love, respect, and patience—it creates the space where transformation happens.
Where We’re Going
For September, let’s commit to growing in our ability to listen to God and to one another. Here’s what we’ll explore together:
- September 07–13: The biblical base for listening
- September 14–20: Why listening is vitally important—first to God, then to one another
- September 21–27: Hindrances to listening and how to overcome them
- September 28–October 04: Practical counsel on how to listen more effectively