The Listening Group Coordinator is at the core of Fellowship of the Burning Heart (FBH). Our goal is to provide Coordinators with ongoing resources and support to empower them to start and maintain a Listening Group. 

The role of the Listening Group Coordinator is to:

• Determine group logistics
  • Whether the group will be in-person or online  (we are asking that all Coordinators be willing to host an online group unless they have particular people in mind to form an in-person group)
  • Meeting times
• Meet with applicants to discern if an FBH Listening Group is what they are looking for in this season of life
• Welcome and shepherd members through the Listening Group process 
• Gently keep the group operating within the Order of Meeting guidelines and living into  the Core Values during the once-a-month meetings
• Participate as an equal member of the group during the sharing process as the Facilitator role rotates between members

Listening Group Coordinators receive training, resources, and ongoing support throughout the year, and have access to a community of other Coordinators and FBH staff for encouragement and guidance.

Coordinator FAQ — Please read before applying

What are the qualities are you looking for in a Coordinator?

Coordinators…

• Are committed to living into the Renovaré Covenant
• Are fully supportive of Renovaré’s Core Ideas and Beliefs and the FBH Core Values
• Desire to engage with others on a similar path
• Understand and appreciate (or are willing and eager to learn more about) Christian Spiritual Formation and the various Christian traditions (Streams) which are integral to the Order of Meeting
• Appreciate the Listening Group structure; are willing to help foster and protect a space where members are free to share without being interrupted, asked questions, or given advice
• Believe in the value of silence and the importance of a group where members favor God’s voice above their own
• Embrace the idea that Listening Groups can serve as a space where those seeking to follow Jesus can gather free from social, political, and theological divisions
• Respect the unique spiritual journey of each person; understand that growth in the spiritual life doesn’t require everyone to read the same books or have the same experiences

What are the responsibilities of a Coordinator?

• Attend an online training to learn more about the Order of Meeting and how to set up and lead a group
• Attend scheduled Coordinator Care meetings (held every other month for 1 hour via zoom)
• Commit to lead a Listening Group for 12 months 
• Hold discernment conversations with applicants to discern if joining would benefit them and the group in their current season of life
• Graciously help the group stay within the parameters of the Listening Group structure and FBH Values
• Help foster a safe space where members are free to share openly and honestly

What is the application and training process?

• Who can apply?
  • Anyone who has been part of a Listening Group for 1 year or was taught the Listening Group model as part of your Renovaré Institute experience is invited to apply. 
  • If you have not been part of a Listening Group or attended the Renovaré Institute (Chicago cohort to present), we ask that you attend three or more online Drop-In Listening Groups to help you discern if these groups and this role are a fit for you in this season of life before submitting an application. You can register for Drop-In Listening Groups here. 
• Once we receive your application, we will set up a time for a dis­cern­ment con­ver­sa­tion.
• After we jointly discern that this is a good fit (for you and for us), we will have you attend an online training.
• After training, and once you know the logistical details for your group, you will have two choices to fill your group:
  • We can open it up for applications on our website, or
  • You can invite friends that you have in mind to apply
• You will receive support throughout the process and in our Coordinator Care meetings.