The Power of Being Present (Part 1): Listening to Understand vs. Just to Respond
Homeless But Human
What if your only job was to listen? No agenda. No expectation of a perfect response. Simply being present with the other. Would that change the way you do it? In this first episode of our three-part series on “The Power of Being Present”, we are joined by two of our staff formators: Jeff and Anya. Together, they will take us deeper into why the art of listening--and simply being present--is at the center of good relationships: the heart of our encounters on the streets. Through their unique lens as formators, Jeff and Anya explain how missionaries must first learn (and often un-learn) what it means to simply listen before they can be that same presence for the homeless. Through hearing personal experiences and wisdom gained from encounters on the streets, this episode will leave listeners with powerful insights and practical tips to apply these skills in their own lives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinthecity.substack.com
About Podcast
We tackle the common questions and quiet hesitations that keep many from engaging with the poor—and offer practical, relational, and deeply human ways to respond. You’ll hear directly from missionaries, our homeless friends themselves, and those who’ve found that true friendship is the most radical form of charity.
What if the person you pass on the corner had one real friend—someone who knew their name, their story, and didn’t walk away? What if that friend was you?
If you’ve ever wondered what to say, what to do, or how to really help, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a podcast about quick fixes—it’s about slow, faithful love that changes everything.
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