Our lives are made up of anything but space. Our culture promotes activity, stimulation, and achieving. It is not surprising that our annual State of the Bible survey reveals the number one hindrance for people in reading Scripture is feeling too busy with life’s responsibilities. There is never enough time.

Yet people also say they want to engage with the Bible more. They report experiencing peace, encouragement, and inspiration when reading it.

As leaders in the church, what can we do to help people spend time with this life-giving book amidst their busy lives? Perhaps it starts with listening. Listening involves providing space, slowing down, and quieting. It allows people to share their experiences and stories. It allows the hidden needs of a community to surface.

Why are commutes, deadlines, and family conflicts preventing people from turning to a source of wisdom and peace? Ask them. Listen. See what emerges.

In one of my favorite scenes in the Bible, Jesus appears to Peter and several of the disciples, just days after the crucifixion. The disciples have spent the whole night unsuccessfully fishing and do not recognize him. Jesus calls to them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” No doubt frustrated, hungry, and still heavy-hearted with grief, they answer, “Not a thing.”

Jesus’ response shows what it means to listen to the deeper needs of a community. While he advises them how to catch more fish than they can carry, he gives them what they are really longing for: a personal encounter with the risen Lord. He then commissions Peter to “feed my sheep.” To give people food that is spiritually sustaining.

Many times we are blinded to God’s presence—just like the disciples. We have been working all night without success, relying on our own strength and ingenuity. We need someone to come alongside us and ask, “Have you caught anything? Are your methods working?” We need someone to help us pause and be redirected to Christ’s resurrected body. Listening helps redirect people to Scripture. It gives them an opportunity to connect to their real longing, be joined in their journey, and encounter God in their midst.

As leaders, let’s listen to what people have to say, and see how it transforms us alongside our communities.

Call to Action: Pull together a small group in your church (perhaps several) to present the question: Why don’t you engage with Scripture more? Tell the group this is an exercise in listening: there is no interrupting, feedback, or teaching. Don’t be afraid of awkward pauses or silences. You may be surprised at people’s honesty when they have enough time to speak. A second idea: Visit with individual members of your church to talk about the role of the Bible in their life. Ask them if they read it as much as they would like to, and what is preventing them from reading it more. Don’t offer insights or solutions. Instead, reflect back what you are hearing, creating space for those people to understand and share their personal journeys.