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Why Listening Circles?
As we continue to navigate this interim period, we believe it is essential to listen deeply to one another, seeking to understand the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up our congregation. Together, we want to reflect on what has shaped us, what we value now, and what we hope for in the future. This is a vital step in preparing for the next chapter of our church’s journey.
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The purpose of a listening circle is to create a space where everyone involved in the life and ministry of our congregation has an uninterrupted opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, hopes and experiences about our church’s past, present, and future.
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These circles are not about solving problems, debating ideas, or having an open discussion, but about building a shared understanding of who we are as a church and where God might be calling us next. By participating in a listening circle, you are contributing to a process of discernment that, eventually, will lead to the creation of a Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) which will be instrumental in helping us find our next called and installed pastor.
What is a Listening Circle?
A listening circle is a structured 90-minute gathering of 6 to 8 church members who come together to share their thoughts and experiences in a respectful and open environment.
Participants sit in a circle, take turns speaking, and listen deeply to one another without interrupting, responding, or debating.
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Guided by a facilitator, the group reflects on a specific series of questions about the church’s past, present, and future. A recorder captures key themes and insights, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
Signing Up
Everyone in the congregation is invited to sign up for one listening circle. There are only 8 spots available per circle, and the first 8 people who sign up will be confirmed for that event.
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Click on the button below to sign up for a listening circle.
DATES AND TIMES AVAILABLE
Circle 1 - Thursday, January 16 – 7:00 PM at RGPC
Circle 2 - Sunday, January 19 – After Worship at RGPC
Circle 3 - Tuesday, January 21 – 7:00 PM at Gorecki's Home
Circle 4 - Wednesday, January 22 – 7:00 PM at RGPC
Circle 5 - Thursday, January 23 – 7:00 PM at RGPC
Circle 6 - Sunday, January 26 – After Worship at RGPC
Circle 7 - Tuesday, January 28 – 1:00 PM at RGPC
Circle 8 - Wednesday, January 29 – 7:00 PM at RGPC
Circle 9 - Tuesday, February 4 – 7:00 PM at Gorecki's Home
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THE FACILITATORS
Brian & Andi Gilbert (Circles 1, 2 & 5)
Rich & Cyndi Gorecki (Circles 3 & 9)
Meg Goodman & Juli Swartzlander (Circles 4 & 8)
Natalie & Brian Sampson (Circles 6 & 7)
What are the questions?
When you attend your listening circle, you will be asked to share your thoughts on the seven questions listed below. Please think and pray about how you will respond to these questions but hold onto your responses until you meet at your circle.
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Reflecting on the Past
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Share a positive memory of River Glen Presbyterian Church. What is something from the past that you would like to continue moving forward?
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Share a challenging memory of River Glen Presbyterian Church. Is there anything from the past that you would like to leave behind?
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Assessing the Present
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What good things are happening at River Glen Presbyterian Church right now? What are you proud of?
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What is the central challenge that River Glen Presbyterian Church is facing right now (beyond not having a called and installed pastor)?
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Dreaming about the Future
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What three things about River Glen should never change?
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What is your hope for River Glen Presbyterian Church in the next 8 – 10 years? What do you hope this church and its ministry look like?
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What might have to change in order to make your dream a reality?
Guiding Principles
A listening circle is a sacred space where everyone’s voice matters. Our goal is to listen deeply to one another - not to debate, persuade, or solve problems, but to hear the truth in each person’s story and perspective. These are a few of the guiding principles for your time together.
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CONFIDENTIALITY: What is shared in the circle should stay in the circle. We honor one another’s vulnerability by not sharing the personal stories or perspectives of others outside the circle. We only share our own stories and perspectives outside the circle.
RESPECT: Every voice matters. We listen with empathy and curiosity, without interrupting, judging, or debating others’ perspectives. And we share our perspectives and experiences without casting blame on others.
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PRESENCE: We focus on being fully present with one another. We set aside distractions, silence devices, and focus on the speaker and the group process.
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EQUALITY: Everyone has an equal opportunity to speak. No one dominates the sharing. All contributions are valued equally.
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SHARING: We speak authentically and concisely from our own experience using “I” statements and we let others share their experiences. We may pass if we prefer not to share at any point.
Sharing of Insights
The insights shared in these listening circles will be carefully compiled and analyzed to help our church leadership understand the themes, concerns, and hopes that are most important to our congregation.
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RECORDING REFLECTIONS: During each circle, a designated recorder will take notes, capturing the key ideas, reflections, and emotions shared. These notes will not include names or identifying details to ensure confidentiality.
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IDENTIFYING COMMON THEMES: After all the circles are completed, the facilitators and leadership team will review the notes to identify recurring themes, significant insights, and areas of consensus or divergence.
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ORGANIZING THE INFORMATION: The information will be grouped into logical categories. By grouping the information, we will be able to create a clear and accessible summary, making it easier to identify key takeaways without being overwhelmed by raw data, and ensuring all voices are represented fairly with no single perspective being allowed to dominate the process.