Context Context Context

I've discovered that I do my best in the context of relationships. Surprise! I think I get that from my Mom. Cleaning baseboards...sure! As long as she had someone to hang with, count her in.  The flip side of doing my best everything in the context of relationships, means that I also unfortunately get the most frustrated and discouraged in the context of relationships. I am at my best (and worst) with other people. Sorry!

I can point out to you which of our kids at ChristChurch are most encouraged through relationship in a matter of minutes. I think you would be surprised how many we have. Some kids want a task they can brainstorm and construct successfully. Some, do their best thinking and studying by themselves. Some, do their best in the context of being competitive and a drive to win.  But, we have so many who do their best by just being known.

 The faithful leaders in my life kept me in the church.  I wanted to spend time with them and be in communication about life's small details. But, the leaders that led from a place of blueprints, and a set discipleship model discouraged me.  NOT because they weren't awesome leaders/teachers/mentors, but because they didn't know me. They were trying to use the same methods of discipleship for every single person.  But, PRAISE GOD he created us uniquely different, with different styles of learning, loving, growing, and teaching.

I've shared about my high school small group leader many times. Dana's compassion, availability,  and nurture in my life is a part of my story and call to ministry.  Her knowledge and awareness of our group's spiritual needs was one of the biggest ways I've ever experienced God working through another person. We had so many different needs emotionally and spiritually, because we were unstable, hormonal high school girls. BLESS YOU, DANA. And honestly, we weren't that great of a group. We did a book study, once or twice, and not only did we not read the chapters but, we made fun of the book. We weren't consistent in showing up. We had arguments within the group that she would have to navigate around. Dana made us the most beautiful notebooks to keep all of our notes in for the Bible scholars that we were. But, we wouldn't even bring them. (Seriously, the most beautiful personalized notebooks with scrapbooking paper and handmade pages!!)  But yet, she still wanted to know us all.

Here's the thing, I don't remember a ton of the content that was taught. I don't remember the arguments. I don't remember what we even prayed for our years together. If I got out my notebook, I would! ( I do still have it, Dana.) I remember that Dana was faithful, loved us well, and she wanted to know us SO THAT she could point us to Jesus in the ways she best knew how. She did that through praying with us, sharing her own personal story, and turning us to scripture over and over.  She didn't use a book called "How to Disciple other Humans"  by some famous scholar as a blueprint.  She didn't use a set rubric or bullet points to guide us into deeper theology.

She related to us through relationship. Just how Jesus does.

I came to understand my need for community, transparency, the Gospel, and mentors in my life through her and that sweet small group.  I've experienced the pin pointed attention and relationship with someone invested and interested in my salvation and knowledge of Christ-- and it made me stick around. Over 10 years later, if I had to poll my high school small group of ministry leaders, medical professionals, counselors, and business leaders, I could guarantee they would tell you the same things. They would tell you they also felt pin pointed spiritual nurturing from Dana. I'm still so thankful for that group, and how they have helped shape my own model for ministry to people.

Friends, I pray this for our children. This is my biggest prayer for the children of ChristChurch.This concept is what has kept me in the Church when I have been broken and disappointed. I pray that we continue to not only know our children's names, but know what makes them tick. I pray the Lord continues to create these bonds outside of families,  even outside of church staff,  that makes children want to stick around and know more about Christ. Shoot, I pray that we create these bonds with one another as adults, that make us want to stick around and be more invested, too.   I see it happening! Our church is a place of safety, counsel and personal discipleship already. So few things bring me as much joy in ministry as seeing children of our church running to adults who are not apart of their family to sit in their laps,  ask questions, tell secrets, give hugs, or show their new wiggly tooth. That means they are feeling known, secure, and loved. This season, be thinking about ways you can invest more deeply to help personally encourage our children's faith in Christ. What does it look like of you to know a child more fully and to point him/her to the Gospel in a relational way? Christmas break is right around the corner! Go hang with our babies and listen. They need you!