Connectivity

Life as we experience it contains a lot of twists and turns, ups and downs, and highs and lows. It is because of that roller coaster type existence that it is so important for us to be connected to one another as humans.

As someone who has spent their adult career in ministry, this is not always the easiest thing to do.  I don't want to sound condescending, but if you haven't served in ministry (as a job, not a volunteer) I don't think that you can fully understand why.  When you are on a church staff, people scrutinize EVERY thing that you do, say, type, wear, eat, etc.  I could share things that I have been scrutinized over that would probably shock you, but that isn't the point of this blog.  It is a fact that you have to be able to deal with or ministry will eat you up and spit you out.  Consequently, connecting to others has been a struggle for Beth and I.  You always wonder if people that are befriending you are doing it genuinely or if they are simply trying to find something in your life to use against you at a later date.  Unfortunately, this isn't fair to those who are genuinely seeking friendship, but it causes you to put up a wall to protect yourself and your family from all of the junk.

While we've been attending our current church for 8 months now, it was just 3 weeks ago that Beth and I made the decision to attend our first Life Connection Group (SS Class).  Let me  share with you what I have found in the past 3 weeks with The Servants (that's the name of our group).

For starters, we chose the group because we already knew a few of the members through our involvement in worship ministry.  That made it much easier for us to walk into a group.  The Servants are not your typical Sunday School class and I LOVE them for it.  In our short time with the group, I have come to learn that (and if I'm wrong, then I hope that John will correct me) their main focus in our hour together is to share needs and concerns that people have and to spend time praying for them.  Sometimes, that may take the whole hour and if it does that's ok.  It's not that we're pushing Bible study to the side as something unimportant, it's that we are making sure that every person around the table knows that the people in that room love them and care for them.  It is truly a living breathing example of bearing each other's burdens.

Whatever church you call home, I encourage you to seek out a small group that will allow you to come as you are and encourage you along this crazy journey that we are all on.  It can be a life changing experience to get connected.

What Do You Know?

I got into a conversation with someone close to me this weekend.  It was one of those conversations that as soon as it starts, you know where it's going and no matter how badly you don't want it to continue, it does.

It started as we got onto the topic of what people wear to church.  This person was lamenting the 'good old days' when people always wore their absolute best to church each week.  You remember the traditions.  Wednesday evening service was casual, and by casual I mean you didn't have to wear a tie if you were a guy. 

Then the conversation went where I really didn't want it to go.  Music.  Ugh!! I don't want to get into a worship war debate with someone so close to me.  I was told how a preacher had told a story about using the hymn 'At The Cross' in a service.  In the days following he received MANY emails, notes, etc. asking where he had found such a beautiful song.  This preacher then went on to say, "That's what's wrong with many of today's churches. No one knows any of the old songs of the faith that helped so many people through so many things."

Really?!?!?  THAT'S what's wrong with churches?? We're not singing enough old songs so consequently people can't get through their troubles because they don't know these songs??  You have got to be kidding me!!

I've made it completely clear in other posts, that I don't care if your worship style is traditional or modern.  I care about one thing when it comes to what people take away from a corporate worship experience.  Do you know Jesus??

I believe it is completely possible to introduce a sinner to Jesus with a hymn or with a modern chorus, with a KJV Bible or with The Message.  Can we PLEASE stop bickering over music?? We all know that everyone has their preferences and that's fine.  Stop bad-mouthing those styles that don't fit your personal preference.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

Have a blessed day!