The primary act of ministry is listening: to God, to oneself, to others. This class will introduce basic listening skills from a grounding in the contemplative tradition (rather than from psychology or communication theory). The semester will open with an investigation of contemplation and the process of contemplative listening, understanding that contemplation invites us into a contemplative lifestyle. We will then break into small groups where participants will take turns relating meaningful experiences from their past. These experiences may or may not be ministry related. Midway through the semester we will introduce further conversation skills (questions, summaries) and reflect more on contemplative listening as a form of ministry. We will conclude with pastoral applications and connections to other semesters of Spiritual Life and Leadership. This is a lecture/seminar/practice course intended for Masters-level students. Doctoral students are welcome. Learning Strategies: Reading, Lecture/Presentation, Small Group Practice, and Reflection Papers. [12 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]