Listening as an act of hope

Dominique Scott, Hope Nottingham's CEO reflects on why listening well is so important.

At Hope Nottingham, listening is not a soft extra; it is part of who we are. Our Statement of Faith says that we “support, listen to, serve and love one another,”  our values call us to compassion, belonging, working together, trust and positive change. Listening is woven through all of these. It is how we recognise each person’s worth, create safe spaces, and how we move from simply providing practical help to walking alongside people with dignity.

Recently, in our Christian Focus Group, we considered the biblical basis for our social action. Roy, one of our trustees, reminded us that the basis of this must be in thinking about creation and everyone being created in the image of God. This is not simply a statement of status, but a call to look for God’s image in others and remind them that whatever the rest of the world may say, they are infinitely precious to Him. One of the most important ways for us to do this is by listening.

But here at Hope Nottingham, with so much good work to do and so little time, we can easily become distracted. In Luke 10, Martha is busy while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Jesus does not dismiss Martha’s service, but gently says: “Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (Luke 10:41–42).

For me personally in charity leadership there is always another decision, building issue, funding concern, safeguarding question or person needing help or guidance. This passage reminds me that faithful service begins with attentive presence. I have often felt the pressure to respond quickly, solve efficiently and keep everything moving. Yet some of the most important moments in my role have come when I have stopped trying to fix too soon and simply listened—to a volunteer quietly sharing their story or explaining what would help their team, a guest trusting us with more than the presenting crisis, a colleague carrying unseen pressure or our trustees offering a wider perspective.

Scripture reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19), to recognise “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7), and not to answer before listening (Proverbs 18:13). Jesus modelled this in his ministry and showed that listening is active love. He noticed people others passed by, asked questions that invited honesty, and allowed people to tell their story. In Mark 10:51, although Bartimaeus’ need seemed obvious, He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), giving him dignity, agency and voice. This is what we always aspire to do at Hope Nottingham.

I have long benefited from professional coaching and am currently focusing on coaching others in our team. It really deepens the listening lesson for me. Listening is not waiting for my turn to speak; it is creating space, resisting assumptions, noticing what is said and unsaid, and trusting the wisdom, resilience and possibility within others. It challenges me to ask better questions, to sit with silence, and to believe that empowerment often begins when someone feels truly heard.  It is not easy though. I am becoming increasingly aware of my tendency to interrupt and through genuine desire to help, to play the “fixer”.

This also reflects Hope Nottingham’s G.R.A.C.E. model of mission. Giving begins when we listen to what people can offer, not only what they lack. Relief and Advice become more humane when we listen beneath the immediate need. Community grows when people know their voice matters. Empowerment happens when we do not take over but help people recognise their own gifts and next steps. Enabling means creating a culture where listening shapes our decisions, partnerships, safeguarding, volunteer support and prayer.

Perhaps we can all ask ourselves: Who do I need to listen to more carefully? Where am I rushing to find answers? How might listening become an act of compassion, trust and hope this week?

Closing prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to listen as You listened: with patience, courage, humility and love. Give us ears to hear the voices of our guests, volunteers, colleagues, partners and communities. May our listening build trust, deepen belonging and bring hope and a future to those we serve. Amen.