Listening: The Soul of Service

Based on a sermon Karen Hatch, Licensed Lay Minister for the Draycote and Leam Valley Benefice preached at St Leonards Birdingbury and taken from Acts 6:1–7—the choosing of the seven.

It’s a well-known passage, but it speaks with fresh urgency to our life as a church today.

“In those days, when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1)

Here is the early church, growing fast, yet suddenly facing a crisis. Some felt overlooked, others unheard. Inequality had crept in. And what do the apostles do? They don’t dismiss the complaint. They listen. They take it seriously. And they invite the whole community to take part in finding a solution.

Seven Spirit-filled, wise men are chosen—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas. The apostles pray, lay hands on them, and delegate this ministry of care. The result? “The word of God spread, the number of disciples increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7)

The early church shows us that listening and serving go hand in hand. Serving tables was not a lesser ministry than preaching—it was different, but equally holy. The pulpit and the kitchen are both sacred ground.

Birdingbury’s Story of Being “Done To”

Birdingbury knows something of this story. Its history tells of a community often reshaped by decisions made elsewhere:

• Victorian renovations that imposed outside designs.

• High church overlays brought in without local voice.

• Initiatives introduced without listening to the people.

For centuries, things were simply done to Birdingbury. It wasn’t until the 20th century that PCCs—Parochial Church Councils—finally gave local people even a small seat at the table.

And yet, even now, the weight of diocesan structures, limited resources, and clergy stretched across multiple parishes means the challenge remains. Our benefice has eight parishes. One priest cannot possibly carry it all.

The question for us is: how will we respond? Will we repeat the mistakes of the past—making decisions without listening—or will we take a different path?

Listening as a Spiritual Practice

James 1:19 puts it plainly:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Listening is not weakness. It is a spiritual discipline. It is how we make space for the Holy Spirit to move.

Birdingbury’s past may have been shaped by others, but its future lies in deep listening—to God, to one another, and to the needs of the village around us.

Real listening does three things:

• It empowers others to lead.

• It brings healing to old wounds.

• It builds a church that reflects the love of Christ.

A Call to Serve

Like the apostles, Phil and the ministry team cannot do everything. Their primary calling is to prayer and the ministry of the word. But that does not mean everything else is “less important.” The church thrives when all ministries are valued, shared, and Spirit-filled.

Birdingbury has been carried through change by faithful lay people in the past. Now it is time for a new generation to step forward—not to be “done to,” but to lead with wisdom, love, and courage.

So here is the invitation:

• Will you listen deeply—to God, to one another, to the village?

• Will you serve where there is need?

• Will you take up your place in Christ’s church—not as a passive spectator, but as an active, Spirit-filled disciple?

Take a few moments today in silence. Ask God: Where do I need to grow in listening? How are you calling me to serve?

Because listening is the soil in which trust grows. And from trust comes healing, collaboration, and Spirit-led action.