A fundamental tenet of continuous improvement in an organization such as the church is the need to listen -- to listen deeply -- to the needs, hopes, dreams, and "heartsongs" of the people in our communities and congregations. We toss off the concept of listening as if anyone can do it -- in fact, that we all do it all the time. But true listening -- listening at the deepest level -- is an art that few master, though everyone should attempt it.

What might happen if we truly listened -- at the deepest level -- to the people we serve? In a word: transformation. When people are listened to, it can change their lives. This message comes to us repeatedly from Scripture, and it comes to us yet again in a delightful way in the film Mumford.

Mumford is both the name of a small town and the name of the small-town psychologist. Loren Dean, who plays the renowned Dr. Mumford in a low-key and precise way, offers a striking example of the power of listening. Dr. Mumford has the gift to make people feel that they are being heard. In a few short moments, Dr. Mumford knows the people he listens to -- he knows their true selves; and they, in turn, trust him enough to tell him things they can tell no one else. Because he listens to the deepest self, and because he refuses to sugarcoat what he hears or what he offers in return, people's lives are changed. Mumford helps people know their true selves for the first time in their lives.

Ironically, Dr. Mumford is a con artist. Never having graduated from, let alone attended, medical school, the good doctor is not inhibited by the protocols and procedures of the psychology paradigm. He treats the person as a person and uses rules as a means to the end of helping others. While we might question the honesty and ethics of the character, the bottom line is that he gets results.

Listening is the cornerstone upon which meaningful relationships are formed. In relationship, there is power for change. This is a lesson that we, as leaders in the church, must not ignore. For too long, the church has been so enamored with the message it has to proclaim that it often has neglected to listen to the people who need the good news. Listening opens the door for dialogue. Dialogue opens the door to new realities and new relationships.

Mumford is a beautiful, modern parable of the power to effect change in the lives of others through the simple, yet complex, art of listening.

Mumford stars Loren Dean, Jason Lee, Mary McDonnell, and Ted Danson.

Dan R. Dick is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

(originally posted October 11, 1999)

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