
The Surprising Power of Sacred Listening in Building Trust and Faith Formation
Unlock the secret to building trust and meaningful relationships in a world overwhelmed by artificial intelligence and shifting societal norms. Josh Packard, a leading sociologist and founder of Future of Faith, reveals how the future of faith—and indeed all human connection—depends on rediscovering the power of sacred listening. This episode is a game-changer for leaders, pastors, and anyone committed to authentic influence in an authentic age. Josh shares how the decline of institutional trust isn’t a church-specific problem but a cultural shift—trust now resides in personal relationships rather than institutions. He explains how understanding this move enables leaders to adapt their strategy, prioritize relational engagement, and foster trust through genuine listening. You'll discover why trust in technology, media, and even sermons is evolving, and why the most impactful leaders are those who invest time and relational depth over broadcast volume. Whether managing a church, a team, or guiding your own family, this episode reveals how to meet people where they truly are—listening. 00:00 Introduction: Meeting Josh Packard and the Future of Faith 01:13 Josh's Journey: From Sociology to the Future of Faith 04:16 The Story of This Age: AI and the Acceleration of Distrust 09:07 The Blockbuster Principle: Changing Delivery Mechanisms, Not the Goal 12:28 The Five-Decade Decline: Understanding Institutional Trust Loss 14:33 It Wasn't Your Fault: The Church Didn't Break Trust 18:05 Trust Has Relocated: From Institutions to Relationships 19:53 Time, Trust, Truth: The New Order of Ministry Engagement 27:14 Listening is Sacred: Formation Happens in the Moment 35:01 Practical Tools for Relational Ministry: Building What We Need For more information and resources, visit: https://www.nxtmove.global/
- Transcript