Our Listening Courses

Christian Listening is three dimensional: listening to others, listening to ourselves and listening to God. Listening to others improves the quality of relationships in the home, church and workplace; learning to listen to ourselves helps us to grow in wholeness; and learning to listen to God helps us to deepen our spirituality.

The following leaflets are available to download for your information:        
                                                                                                            Listening to my Family
                                                                                                            Listening in the Workplace                                                                                                             Becoming a Listening Church

Courses range from one to twelve sessions. They are all highly interactive in nature and they value the life experience of participants. Introductory courses teach the importance of a listening attitude whilst more advanced courses give training in specific listening skills. Those who successfully complete Called to Listen qualify to be Christian Listeners and may use their skills in more structured listening sessions in church groups and secular or medical situations. At the heart of Acorn’s beliefs is the conviction that good listening provides an excellent foundation for healing and health care.

The headings below have more description:

DVD: Just Listen!

This training pack includes video or DVD and course book. It is best suited for study in a small group setting. The course is broken into 6 modules. Typically, groups will do the course in two 2– hour sessions. In a lively presentation, two tutors are filmed leading a group through the course material. The course book provides notes of the teaching, and instructions for group discussion and activities. The course is suitable for any who are interested in developing a listening attitude, and can be led by anyone with experience of facilitating a small group.

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Importance of Listening

We also offer tutor-led half day or one day workshops as a complement to Just Listen! Please contact your Regional Coordinator for more details.  

Listening for Life ~ Essential Skills For A Healthier World

Listening for Life equips people to make a positive difference in their world through developing good attitudes and skills in listening- to others, to themselves, and to God.

Who is the course for?

• This course is open to all who can attend all 4 sessions and are willing to learn by              self-discovery and exploration. It is helpful for them to have in mind an outcome, where they can use the listening skills they develop.
• Many churches and other organisations are looking for listening training to help equip their group leaders, church council members, children’s and youth workers, elders, pastoral visitors, bereavement groups, and outreach projects. The skills and attitudes developed through Listening for Life add enormous value to such initiatives.
• Many people today are aware of the value of listening well in an increasingly busy and noisy world, and may wish to attend the course for their own interest. 

Time to Listen

This course builds on the training in Listening for Life previously called Learning to Listen and focuses on particular times in life when good listening is necessary. Thus there are units on such areas as listening to life’s changes, listening to the bereaved and listening to those who are sick. The course can be broken down into units or taught in its entirety over six sessions.

Called to Listen

This builds on the attitude training of the introductory courses and teaches listening skills using the mirroring method as a foundation. It also invites participants to listen carefully to themselves as part of their growth in wholeness, and to listen to God in a variety of ways. Participants are usually recommended by their church leader and need to have completed an introductory course. At the end of this course they are offered an assessment of their listening skills. Recognised Christian Listeners are then available to listen within their church and community with appropriate supervision. Some may go on to be trained as tutors in their local church and area.

Building Bridges in the Community

How to bridge the gap between church and the local community.

 Building Bridges is available as a download.

For more information on any of the above courses please contact your local regional staff member or the office at Whitehill Chase.  To check out courses and events in your area please visit our News and Events page.