I met with a leader today and was reminded that despite all of our good intentions as leaders, circumstances never stay the same. Leaders deal with the pressures of work, family, hobbies, church, their group, kids sports teams, and the list goes on and on. What can we do to help lighten the load? How can we help our leaders that are barely keeping their heads above water? What words of encouragement can we offer? How can we make their life easier?
If we do nothing, we'll produce burnt out leaders who will eventually quit because other things will take priority over group life. Obviously, that's not going to work. There is something we can do, something we can offer, something that will help keep our leaders engaged in group life. What is it?
Stayed tuned as I will be writing on the answer soon.
Josh
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Shift
There are times when I find myself drifting along in the normal flow of life and feel bored or perhaps complacent. I am not a patient person and believe that people only get to live life 1 time. Therefore, we must make the most of every moment, never ceasing to settle for anything less than saying "I've squeezed every drop of life out of today" every night at bedtime. So, I believe being bored keeps me unimaginative. Being bored keeps me comfortable. Being bored keeps me cautious. None of these is good. However...
When it comes to group life I think being bored is not totally bad. I mean, it's part of the ebb and flow of life and we shouldn't feel too bad if we find ourselves bored with our spot in group life. I've often heard preachers give proclamations that being bored or complacent is a sign that we're not growing closer to God. While there may be some truth to this statement, I believe that when we're bored is when things can be most exciting!
For a change in knowledge, skill, understanding or action to take place there must be a shift from one way of thinking (this is what led to boredom) to a new way of thinking. Being bored is the deep breath before the plunge into creativity, in fact it necessitates creativity! Being bored is an acknowledgement that things must change. Being bored fires up the creative juices, ignites the adventurous spirit, and unleashes the limitless possibilities of what could be. Being bored is one step from really living. What a rush!
Perhaps your experience in your small group is such that you are simply bored. Tired of the same people week in and week out, you say to your spouse maybe with a hint of guilt "Is it time to move on to a different group?" Or perhaps you feel that you're growing in relationships and through your quiet time, but the group leader's lessons are predictable and somewhat stale. What should you do?
Maybe what you need is a shift in thinking. Perhaps you should re-focus yourself on the purpose of biblical community, realizing that its okay to put a name on boredom with your group. That could be a freeing moment for many in the group. Scary? Yes because we're comfortable. Necessary? Could be.
So where are you? Are you drifting along or intentionally focused on the task at hand, living out God's purpose for your life? Have you experienced the shift yet or are you still waiting...if so, its just around the corner waiting. Embrace it!
When it comes to group life I think being bored is not totally bad. I mean, it's part of the ebb and flow of life and we shouldn't feel too bad if we find ourselves bored with our spot in group life. I've often heard preachers give proclamations that being bored or complacent is a sign that we're not growing closer to God. While there may be some truth to this statement, I believe that when we're bored is when things can be most exciting!
For a change in knowledge, skill, understanding or action to take place there must be a shift from one way of thinking (this is what led to boredom) to a new way of thinking. Being bored is the deep breath before the plunge into creativity, in fact it necessitates creativity! Being bored is an acknowledgement that things must change. Being bored fires up the creative juices, ignites the adventurous spirit, and unleashes the limitless possibilities of what could be. Being bored is one step from really living. What a rush!
Perhaps your experience in your small group is such that you are simply bored. Tired of the same people week in and week out, you say to your spouse maybe with a hint of guilt "Is it time to move on to a different group?" Or perhaps you feel that you're growing in relationships and through your quiet time, but the group leader's lessons are predictable and somewhat stale. What should you do?
Maybe what you need is a shift in thinking. Perhaps you should re-focus yourself on the purpose of biblical community, realizing that its okay to put a name on boredom with your group. That could be a freeing moment for many in the group. Scary? Yes because we're comfortable. Necessary? Could be.
So where are you? Are you drifting along or intentionally focused on the task at hand, living out God's purpose for your life? Have you experienced the shift yet or are you still waiting...if so, its just around the corner waiting. Embrace it!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to my blog! My hope is that you find this blog helpful to you whether you are a group leader, group member, small group ministry point leader, or someone who's considering living in the context of biblical community.
My hope is also that you be challenged. I think sometimes we can so easily get complacent in the application of our beliefs and that can be a dangerous thing. By challenging our current paradigms on how Scripture can intersect with our daily living we'll not only hopefully be moving forward in our faith, but consider new ways of thinking that can impact those in our sphere of influence.
Lastly, I would love to hear from you if you have a comment on something I post. I don't have all the answers and consider myself an eternal student...especially when the subject is community.
Thanks and enjoy!
My hope is also that you be challenged. I think sometimes we can so easily get complacent in the application of our beliefs and that can be a dangerous thing. By challenging our current paradigms on how Scripture can intersect with our daily living we'll not only hopefully be moving forward in our faith, but consider new ways of thinking that can impact those in our sphere of influence.
Lastly, I would love to hear from you if you have a comment on something I post. I don't have all the answers and consider myself an eternal student...especially when the subject is community.
Thanks and enjoy!
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