Some time ago I came up with the idea of bringing women together for a guided discussion about how the messaging of the church has shaped and informed our identities as women. The response has been telling in that every single Listening Party I’ve organized has been well-attended with women learning about themselves through the art of listening to one another.

I facilitate these Listening Parties with a series of questions such as,

• What messages have you learned about your womanhood from your faith tribe?
• What is your theology about being feminine? Do you have a feminine image of God?
• How has your sexual identity been shaped by teachings in your church?
• Are you called to teach or lead in the Christian church? What have your experiences been like as a woman who wants spiritual influence?

My Women’s Listening Parties usually last two and half hours. Women nearly always report feeling encouraged and empowered after attending and often come back again. Listening Parties are easy to organize and are an effective way of helping women learn about themselves through the practice of listening to others. Contact me if you’d like me to help facilitate a Women’s Listening Party or offer you guidance in facilitating your own.