KERRY KEMUNTO
ADMISSION NUMBER: 1060722
BCP126: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL
PRESENTED TO: DR JOYZY PIUS
PASTORAL LISTENING SUMMARY
Listening is an important aspect in human communication and Attentive listening is important in
pastoral care.The summary of this paper examines pastoral skill in pastoral ministry.Pastoral
workers are called upon to cultivate this important skill while offering pastoral care.here are
some of the keywords well use ;LISTENING,ATTENTIVE LISTENING,PASTORAL
LISTENING ,PASTORAL CARE
There is lack of training of Attentve listening skill among pastoral workers and they need to be
cultivated in it .Given the bibilical references (John 10:27) which states My shepherd listens to
my voice ,i know them and they follow me emphasises on Jesus not only speaking to his
disciples(flock) but also listening to them which is also shown in John 14:14 and Jeremiah 29:12.
It is shown that its important for pastors to really pay attention to what their flock ( members) say
when they need support.
There is a difference between Listening and Active listening as Active listening is paying
attention to what one is saying,understanding their feelings and being present .Active listening is
rarely taught to priests,pastors and its one area that needs prominence in theological education
( schramm 2009). Pastoral listening involves pastoral minded attitude and therapeutic action, the
pastor should present empathetic and guidance to individuals in the flock
According to schramm listening is a complex skill and doesnt come naturally to others and
people view it as a passive ability that should develop on its own ,while in reality developing
listening skills requires effort and practice and may involve a range of emotions e.g
depression,frustration,exhilaration and pride. Its important to listen to the third level
Unconditional Positive Regard ( UPR) as showing acceptance and respect according to
okpalamwe 2022 as listening is key to communication , heart of community living and it builds
trust and relationship. But also keep in mind listening is not hearing as hearing is a 'process
function' ( meriam webster(n.d.a) while listening is paying attention with thoughtfulness.
PASTORAL LISTENING SKIILL
Listening is a one way communication whereby no respond is needed while active listening
involves feedback and action is demonstrated in( James 1:19)
Egunjobi prspective on attentive listening in pastoral care through an acronym ATTENTIVE
LISTENING. which involves positive attitude and therapeutuc actions
Awareness - involves being aware of one's thoughts and behavior and respecting that of others
Thoughtful-considerate of others physical,psychological ans spiritual needs
Timing response-ability to repond appropriatey to ones needs using the right choice of words
Empathetic presence -Requires one to be mindfuland sensitive to others
feelings,needs,perspective and spirituality
Natutal -its by staying neutral by not taking sides
Tolerance -involves the desire to bear, accept or endure another persons opinion or behavior
even if one disagrees or dislikes the opinion
Insightful - involves demonstrating a deep understanding of whats being said or the deeper
meaning in in a particular nonverbal cue
Vigilance -ability to maintain concentration for a long time
Enthusiasm -one shows keen interest in the person they are in engagement with
Learning forward- seeking to understand others perspective
Immediacy- incorporating others attitude into one's own identity
Summarizing/Silence - Reflecting understanding to what others are saying and using silence to
encourage deeper expression
Throwing back -understanding through repetition, paraphrasing
Eye contact - helps connect to others, as it communicates compassion,empathy and interest
Nodding if agreed /understood -non verbal communication indicating listening and agreement
Interrogation-exploring a persons world through questions either be open ended or close ended
Noticing- paying close attention to body language,appearance and mood during conversation
Genuineness- Creating congruence brtween thoughts and actions to build trust
