As part of the ongoing journey of discipleship, there must be action. What we learn needs to express itself in tangible ways. In fact, the ongoing back and forth of engaging scripture with our minds with the practical and active service of our “hands” makes both come alive in new and meaningful ways. We recognize that Jesus did not spend all of his time simply teaching his disciples but was with them on mission as we are to be with those that we come alongside. Now, to be fair, in his context, 2,000 years ago, in a culture where a Rabbi – disciple relationship was common, it was expected that Jesus’ discipleship would be with him, that they would be in essence be living together. We don’t live in that context. And yet, how are we to incorporate this in our lives with those we are gathering together with?

I have taken two different angles of serving for the guys that I have connected with, both of which have been effective in helping us grow as disciples of Jesus. I suggest that you consider both ideas.

First, at times we step outside of our areas of giftedness (which is often outside of our comfort zones) in order to stretch us mentally, and allow us to learn about areas of life that we may never come in contact with. One time, we have served in our local homeless drop-in centre. This involved serving breakfast in a small kitchen to about 30-50 men and women at 7am. We weren’t necessarily gifted at this role, and we didn’t necessarily believe that we were called to this aspect of ministry, and yet it helped us to see an aspect of life that we should be aware of and it grew our hearts for those that are living a life that is so difficult for us to even imagine. Interestingly, a friend of mine has taken his guys to serve kids in grades 6-8 in a low-income community. He is fully aware that this age group is not their sweet spot and that he is facing many challenges compared to someone who is more naturally suited to these kids. Yet, for a season, it is stretching him and his guys and giving them a sense of the issues that many of these kids face.

The other area of service falls into our sweet spot, using the gifts and experiences that we have. However this requires that you, as the leader, understand those that you are meeting with and link their skills and experiences with areas of service that will enhance your community and serve the kingdom. This past year, the guys that I meet with had the privilege of helping a significant homeless organization in our city, Mission Services, develop a business and marketing plan to move and expand their thrift store as well as relocate their head office. We all have business backgrounds, with one guy owning his own growing business and the other guy having spent 20 years with one of the largest marketing firms in Canada working with some of the major brands in Canada. We had the privilege of helping the Executive Director pull together a plan that he could present to his board who ultimately approved the expansion. It gave us a sense of satisfaction knowing that we were able to help this organization take a step forward in the work that they do by using our skills and work experience.

In all of this, it is important for you, as someone who leads others, to engage them in active ministry beyond simple meeting together to reflect on scripture and pray together. Make scripture come alive as you serve your community, both in areas that use your skills (your sweet spot) and in areas that may be outside of your comfort zone, to stretch your thinking and to grow your heart.

For the kingdom.

 

For the past few years at this time, I have sent out a blog to remind all of us (this includes a reminder to myself) to continue to engage in our spiritual disciplines throughout the summer months, despite the different rhythms that often take over our time during the months of June –August. I am always reminded about this as a pastor when September comes in conversations with people who completely neglected any intentionality with respect to their walk with Christ over the summer months. They allowed the different routines to control their lives and this lack of intentionality has them looking to breathe in deeply once again in September to reignite their journey with Christ. This should not be the case. And as those who lead others on the journey of discipleship, it is a unique opportunity that we have to model something that is life-giving and to demonstrate how natural it is to engage with Christ through all seasons of the year.
I am 2 weeks into a three week vacation that I am thoroughly enjoying with my wife Janice. Being able to take this amount of time off is rejuvenating in so many ways. And in the midst of this time off and getting away, I knew up front that I wanted to engage with Christ as is my routine. In all of this, I like to look for the sacred space and sacred time that will be part of my life during the different segments of my vacation.
Our first week off was spent at a cottage in the beautiful Muskoka area of Ontario. Being up there is an amazing thing to behold in and of itself and for my wife especially, helps her to connect with God in deep ways. In the cottage where we stayed, there was a long, wood dining table that would seat around 16 people. I chose the one end of the table where I would spread out by bible, journal and another book that I was reading. Each morning became one hour of sacred time when I first woke up. Time to engage with scripture, write out prayers and reflect on life. I loved it immensely.
Our second week was spent in Paris, France, as we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Each morning, around 6:30am, I made my way into the hotel lobby where I found a quiet table and chair. The space wasn’t fancy or beautiful per se, but for me each morning it became my sacred time and sacred space during that week away as I once again took out my journal and bible along with a book I was also reading. Each morning, for about 45-60 minutes, I enjoyed some fresh thoughts from scripture and prayers in my journal.
Sacred space and sacred time. As leaders of others, we are to live the life that we desire for those that we are leading. May we all choose to find the space and time this summer. Let’s also share about it with those that we are coming alongside. May it be an encouragement to us and to them.
For the Kingdom.