A hands-on toolkit for building spaces of belonging where LGBTQ youth and their families are truly seen, heard, and held.
What does it look like when a faith community learns to truly listen — not to fix or advise, but to honor the sacred voice of every young person in the room?
The Lighthouse Sacred Listening Tool is a practical toolkit grounded in Sacred Listening Theory — a framework that weaves together theology (Imago Dei and the inherent worth of every person), communication studies (the art of alignment and deep presence), and sociology (recognizing patterns of connection and exclusion). Designed for youth ministry leaders, mentors, and trusted adults, this resource equips faith communities to create spaces where LGBTQ youth and their families can share their stories, build authentic friendships, and experience genuine belonging.
Inside, you'll find three field-tested activities — Resonant Little Sparkles, Dreaming Together, and Snapshots of Belonging — each one inviting young people to express who they are through art, imagination, and photography. A DIY Sacred Listening template empowers you to design your own listening activities tailored to your community, while tips, tricks, and follow-up questions guide you through every step of the process.
Created by Megan Bissell (sociologist and researcher) and Catherine Montgomery (founder of The Lighthouse, a Northern Florida-based ministry supporting LGBTQ youth and families), this resource was developed by Future of Faith and made possible through the generous support of Flagler College's Center for Religion and Culture, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc.
Sacred Listening Theory overview exploring the theological, communicative, and sociological foundations of deep, intentional listening
Resonant Little Sparkles a florilegia-inspired activity where participants create visual collages reflecting what resonates in their lives
Dreaming Together a 30-day creative journaling practice inviting young people to imagine flourishing futures
Snapshots of Belonging a photovoice activity empowering participants to document spaces and moments where they experience true belonging
DIY Sacred Listening template for designing custom listening activities shaped by your community's unique needs
Tips and tricks for facilitators navigating sensitive conversations with care and authenticity
Follow-up questions and reflection guides to deepen the listening process and sustain connection beyond a single session
A hands-on toolkit for building spaces of belonging where LGBTQ youth and their families are truly seen, heard, and held.
What does it look like when a faith community learns to truly listen — not to fix or advise, but to honor the sacred voice of every young person in the room?
The Lighthouse Sacred Listening Tool is a practical toolkit grounded in Sacred Listening Theory — a framework that weaves together theology (Imago Dei and the inherent worth of every person), communication studies (the art of alignment and deep presence), and sociology (recognizing patterns of connection and exclusion). Designed for youth ministry leaders, mentors, and trusted adults, this resource equips faith communities to create spaces where LGBTQ youth and their families can share their stories, build authentic friendships, and experience genuine belonging.
Inside, you'll find three field-tested activities — Resonant Little Sparkles, Dreaming Together, and Snapshots of Belonging — each one inviting young people to express who they are through art, imagination, and photography. A DIY Sacred Listening template empowers you to design your own listening activities tailored to your community, while tips, tricks, and follow-up questions guide you through every step of the process.
Created by Megan Bissell (sociologist and researcher) and Catherine Montgomery (founder of The Lighthouse, a Northern Florida-based ministry supporting LGBTQ youth and families), this resource was developed by Future of Faith and made possible through the generous support of Flagler College's Center for Religion and Culture, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc.
Sacred Listening Theory overview exploring the theological, communicative, and sociological foundations of deep, intentional listening
Resonant Little Sparkles a florilegia-inspired activity where participants create visual collages reflecting what resonates in their lives
Dreaming Together a 30-day creative journaling practice inviting young people to imagine flourishing futures
Snapshots of Belonging a photovoice activity empowering participants to document spaces and moments where they experience true belonging
DIY Sacred Listening template for designing custom listening activities shaped by your community's unique needs
Tips and tricks for facilitators navigating sensitive conversations with care and authenticity
Follow-up questions and reflection guides to deepen the listening process and sustain connection beyond a single session
