EP14: Sacred Listening with Dr. Josh Packard

About This Episode
In Episode 14 of The YDisciple Podcast, Annie and Pete welcome sociologist and researcher Dr. Josh Packard of Future of Faith for a deeply timely and surprisingly practical conversation: Listening.

Drawing from years of research on young people, trust, and religious engagement, Dr. Packard challenges common assumptions about discipleship, formation, and what actually builds credibility with today’s generation.

Together, they explore:

• Why traditional ministry models aren’t “bad” — just less effective in a changed world
• The growing trust gap between individuals and institutions
• How relationships, not programs, are forming faith today
• Why listening is not passive — but profoundly formative
• The pressure ministry leaders feel to “say everything”
• How accompaniment reframes formation as a long-haul journey

Dr. Packard offers a powerful insight from his research:
When young people are truly listened to, something formative is already happening.

Rather than treating listening as a technique or strategy, this episode reframes it as a posture — one rooted in curiosity, reliability, and authentic human presence.

Connect with Us

• Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
• Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching
• Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts
• Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast

Learn more about Dr. Packard’s work:

• futureoffaith.org
• faithfulfuturesbook.com

Reflection for This Week

Take time to prayerfully consider:

• Do I approach listening as essential to ministry — or optional?
• When young people speak, am I truly curious or waiting for my turn to respond?
• Where do I feel pressure to “cover everything” instead of accompanying patiently?
• How reliable am I in following up on what others share with me?

Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your capacity to listen —
not as a skill to master, but as a way to love.