Leading from Overflow

Listening is more than hearing words; it is about creating a space where others can come home to themselves, to God, and to those around them. 

This kind of deep listening is what Henri Nouwen describes as “spiritual hospitality.” It’s a gift that invites people into a place where they don’t just hear that they are loved but experience it through the presence and attentiveness of others. In a fast-paced culture where surface-level interactions dominate, offering the gift of being fully present with someone is a radical act. It fosters deeper relationships and builds the foundation for communities that reflect the heart of the Kingdom. 

But as we think about how to engage in this kind of community work, there’s a vital truth that we must hold on to: our mission begins with being, not doing. We were not created to work for God without first being with Him. The heart of Kingdom work is leading from overflow—allowing our relationship with Christ to be the wellspring from which everything else flows. Colossians 1:27 reminds us that “Christ in me is the hope of glory.” It’s not about what we bring to the table; it’s about who Christ is becoming in us. 

When we fail to live from this place of overflow, our work can easily become transactional, driven by a need for validation or self-worth. But when our identity is secure in Christ, we are able to enter the world already knowing we are loved. This changes everything. We no longer serve out of obligation or to prove ourselves; we serve out of the abundance of God’s love working in us. This kind of mission is not just about meeting needs—it’s about joining God in what He’s already doing, with hearts rooted in His presence. 

However, this way of living requires intentionality. Amid demands and busyness, it’s often easier to focus on doing things for God rather than being with Him. But if Jesus, in the midst of His growing mission, constantly withdrew to be with the Father, how much more do we need to do the same? Jesus modelled a rhythm of going out into the world, then returning to the Father to reconnect with His purpose and identity. This rhythm of retreat and return is essential for anyone engaged in community work or ministry. It ensures that our efforts are not driven by exhaustion or obligation but by a deep sense of calling and identity in Christ. 

For those beginning to engage in missional work, the first step is always prayer. Prayer is the foundation of any Kingdom-shaped community because it invites God to work in us before He works through us. As we pray, we adopt a posture of humility, acknowledging that without God, we can do nothing. 

Alongside prayer, listening is key. Listening with curiosity and humility allows us to truly hear the stories and dreams of the people in our communities. It’s in this space of listening that we can begin to dream together about what the Kingdom might look like in our midst. 

Missional living isn’t about ticking boxes or achieving goals; it’s about being present—with God, with ourselves, and with others. When we lead from overflow, secure in our identity in Christ, we offer the world more than just our skills or talents. We offer the transforming presence of Jesus within us. Through prayer, listening, and deep relationships, we become participants in the work of the Kingdom, fostering communities that are empowered to dream, act, and grow together. This is the essence of Kingdom-shaped community—a place where transformation is not just something we aim for, but something we experience together. 

This blog was developed from a conversation with Ben Chong.