You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters:
let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger...

~James 1:19

Listening: A Humbling and Holy Task

Last week, I spent approximately 52.5 hours engaged in deep community conversations about church governance and the future of United Methodist conferences in Texas. Now, I realize that not many people would jump at the opportunity to sit in a conference center and a university lecture hall for more than two full days straight—but I genuinely am thankful. I’m grateful not only for the endurance to be there but also for the incredible privilege to represent Saint John’s United Methodist Church, my lifelong home at First United Methodist Church of Arlington, and the Texas Wesley Foundation.

Each of these communities brings unique voices—different ages, experiences, theological outlooks, and cultural perspectives. And yet, somehow, I found myself entrusted with the responsibility to vote, to discern, and to help shape the path forward for our shared faith community. What a humbling and holy task. Thanks be to God!

Throughout my time at both the Rio Texas Conference and the Horizon Texas Conference, I noticed one thing repeatedly required of me: Listen. Deep, intentional, sometimes uncomfortable listening. For someone like me — someone who thrives in conversation and often leads with words — it wasn’t easy. I like to speak, to contribute, to fill silence. It’s part of my extroverted nature. But in the quiet moments, as others spoke truth into the space, I realized how much I would have missed had I been the loudest voice in the room.

James 1:19 came to life in a new way: “You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” This verse has always challenged me, but this week it convicted me. It pushed me to reflect on my faith, my emotional impulses, and my natural desire to speak first and process later.

And yet — God met me there in the stillness, in the stories, and in the wisdom of those I sat beside. This experience didn’t just shape my view of church policy or denominational structure. It shaped me. It taught me that spiritual leadership is as much about humility and receptivity as it is about vision and voice. To truly love our community well, we must listen with intention, speak with care, and lead with grace. I encourage all to sit and listen this week.

Join us next Sunday, June 22, to hear Rev. Hilary begin the worship series on Prophets and Kings. The scripture selection will be 1 Kings 19:1-15. See you there!