Sandra Hawkins and Tonia Ashley did a great job yesterday. It is obvious that from Tonia’s testimony,she has found a place to experience Community thanks largely in part to Sandra and Jerry’s leadership. That is the goal for every member of our church; to find a place where they belong, a place to grow, and a place to be real. That is a great goal and a huge one at the same time. But For every Tonia Ashley, I could name several people who are yet to get anywhere close to where she is.
The role of a shepherd is a tough role. There are so many dynamics that a shepherd must address. Inconsistent attendance, some people talk too much, others don’t say a word and haven’t in two years, people who have no problem talking until the subject turns spiritual then they clam up, groups that are “surfacy,” people who get it while you just want to shake others are just some examples of what occurs in just about every group. Dealing with these issues are what I am talking about when I say that the role is tough. But let me also run to say that it is worth the investment.
The purpose of today’s blog is to encourage you. The things that I mentioned above have happened to all of us. If you are like me you do what you can not to take it personally but it is very hard not to. So my word to you? Don’t give up! You may need to evaluate, you may need to have your group evaluate themselves, you made need to comment on this blog and ask for help of what is working for others. But what none of us need to do is give up. Believe it or not we are beginning our third year of this format called C-Groups. We are dealing with real people with real issues. Some are willing to address them and others just smile as if their world is always right. Never underestimate the difficulty of this role. But at the same time never underestimate the impact you are making. Even the people who never say a word will gladly admit that they appreciate what you do. Don’t give up!
I intend to address some of these specific issues in the future.
Thanks for tuning in. Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?!
Jamie