Hey Leaders!
I'm constantly learning and yesterday's meeting was no exception.
After reflecting on it, there are a few things I regret not communicating clearly and thought well... let me clear them up.
Here are three things I wish you had heard clearly at Leader Lunch but probably didn't.
1. Thank you. God is already using you in these ways.
I failed by communicating this plan entirely as "change." What is more accurate is that there are some changes.. for some of you. (But that's not as compelling right?)
Everyone in the room is already shepherding people in our church. I made a big deal out of this new thing without recognizing how well many of you are already doing it.
Same for spiritual disciplines, replicating groups, and aiming our groups at spiritual growth.
In all of the above, we're trying to take what scripture says, what you have experienced as fruitful, and unite around it. I don't think I communicated that well.
I realize that walking through a plan to grow and change and try new things comes with an unspoken headline - "They must think I'm not already doing this, or experiencing this." That's not what I think. That's not true. It just might be what I unintentionally communicated.
2. Listen to the Holy Spirit. He will convict us, and guide us, and provide wisdom as we meet and discuss.
Healthy discussion led by the Spirit is fruitful. Inviting our leadership to wrestle by "tearing draws'" is probably unnecessary.
I trust that God put us here to shape the ministry we do together. I want to create an environment where the Holy Spirit's gifts and convictions and ideas are expressed through his people to build His church. Leader Lunch has been that environment. We always get a lot of group participation and I've seen how God is true to His word. He has sent His Spirit to grow His church. We've modeled passionate discussions with differing opinions plenty. I trust this process.
But looking back on yesterday's lunch, I may have been too impulsive and miscommunicated. My invitation risked pushing out the Holy Spirit by encouraging us to fight harder for our own ideas.
That's not where I want to lead us.
That probably should have clicked when my opening illustration for how the meeting should go was based on petty neighborhood fights as a kid. My bad.
Thankfully, the Spirit still worked in us. The feedback was so valuable. I've written down every contribution and God will make our ministry stronger with it. I'm so thankful we get to do this work together.
3. This is just the beginning.
This part is exciting! We're focusing our time together as leaders over the next few months to continue to prepare. I didn't make that very clear. We've made lots of space to walk through this together.
We'll be spending time walking through each of the aspects of Growth Groups and have planned to do this together. We need each other to prepare. You guys are the experts. You love our church. God called you. God placed you.
Leader Lunches aren't just for announcing plans. They are for making plans and equipping us as a church to follow through with them as God works out each step.
We plant and water but God gives the growth. We are focused and committed to the growth God will give like never before! I'm excited to see what God does.
So thankful,
Tyler
ps. No one was holding me hostage to write this. ; ) Thanks for taking the time to read it. I love you guys and want to keep Jesus at the head of this church.
