Summer in the colder climates of the world takes on a whole new reality – this covers pretty much all of Canada. Opportunities to be outside, biking, running, camping, vacationing, days at the beach – these all change the rhythm of our lives for a few months each year.

As a pastor, having observed 9 years of this rhythm from those in my church, I realize that once September comes and everyone returns to the “normal” routines of life, there will be this reality that many people have had little to no intentional spiritual connecting all summer long. Many attend fewer if any weekend services. Those involved in “small groups” decide to stop meeting for the summer – perhaps a bbq or two will suffice. Kids are rushed around to their various sport practices and games while times of prayer or reading scripture are neglected and people attempt live off the spiritual input from the past year.

Let me state it like this – it should not be this way. And as someone who leads others, you need to lead the way on this.

What will you do this summer to engage with God and how will you help those that you are leading to have the same commitment?

As someone who continues to meet with my triad throughout the summer months (why wouldn’t I, it is energizing in so many ways) I recognize that our weekly consistency does get disrupted at times as we all take some time for vacation which typically means getting out of the city – this is good. I personally just came back from a week away with my wife – 900km away. And yet, as we took some time to relax and see new places, I also have come to realize that my time to spend with God in solitude and prayer need not be disrupted in any way, in fact, if I choose to, I can find increased time and more focussed time so that my spiritual growth is enhanced not hindered.

I recall a trip we did as a family to Jamaica about 5 years ago. We settled into an all-inclusive resort for a week and enjoyed all sorts of great activities including learning how to Scuba dive. However, even in all of the excitement of activities I was very aware of my desire to enjoy some Sabbath rest and personal time with God. My family knew that for about 1 hour every afternoon, I simply wanted time alone for reflection on scripture, journaling and prayer. Beyond my own personal growth, I was also very aware of the importance of my children seeing the significance my faith in God had in my life. This was not a ritualistic thing by something that is alive and vibrant.

In the same way, I’m leading by example the guys that I am coming alongside. When we meet during the summer, what do they observe in my life? Have I taken a vacation from God, or is my relationship with him as dynamic as always?

I don’t want to spend every September “getting back on track” with God as I observe so many doing. Every day, every week, every month, every year – there aren’t any pauses to faith, it is interwoven in all aspects. Change of seasonal rhythm should always been seen as an opportunity, not a hindrance.

As you journey through these summer months, lead well. This includes leading yourself as well as those that you are developing. And may you all enter September with a passion to know God more because of the great times you had in July and August.

For the kingdom.

I’m always very interested in chatting with those who take the next step and choose to disciple others. I’m excited for them and pray for them as their names come to mind. They have begun a great adventure that will not only have a lasting impact on those they lead but on themselves as well.

Interestingly, from time to time I will hear them talk about their experience, either to me or to those that they are connecting with. I am surprised that at times they speak in terms that present themselves as someone who lacks experience, doesn’t really have much to offer and is simply “facilitating” the discipleship process.

Can I provide one word – “nonsense.”

Now hear me out.

You have just begun a relationship with one or more individuals who agreed to allow you to guide them on this journey. Apparently they sensed in you something that they do not have and they were willing to place themselves under your leadership. They are trusting you to take them places that they have not been. At the least, you owe them your confidence.

Now let’s be honest. You know and I know and I believe that those you lead know – you are not perfect. That’s a given. You will be learning during this journey just as they are. You will be learning from them perhaps as much as they learn from you. This is all good and normal. In fact, if you aren’t learning then something isn’t working.

And yet I believe that presenting yourself as someone who really doesn’t have something to offer is in a way false humility.

Look at it this way – are you personally going to follow someone who presents themselves as less than competent? Think about those you have followed and have listened to for advice. My guess is that you looked up to them and were glad that you met them and were able to glean insight from them. You didn’t hold them up or put them on a pedestal as though they were super human. And yet you made changes to your life as a result of the confidence they demonstrated on the topic of conversation.

You are being the same for someone else – lead boldly, believe in yourself.

Perhaps this sounds like a pep talk for a sports team full of bravado and self-help statements. Perhaps. And yet I honestly believe that as we appreciate our standing under Christ, we can move forward in confidence and believe that we will make a difference in someone’s life. The Apostle Paul on one hand spoke of himself as being the worst sinner and yet he also said to those he was leading to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Bold, yet I’m sure also reassuring to those who attached themselves to him.

People want to be led, I’m convinced of that more and more. Even though I am leading others, I am still looking to be led as well by mentors of mine.

So as you move forward on this journey, do so with self-belief. You have the opportunity of a life time. You are leaving a legacy. Be excited. Be confident.

For the Kingdom.