We want to be like everybody else... just different

"Why does everybody look at me like I'm different?"

An innocent question asked by a young individual, for which the answer doesn't come easily.  Perhaps through clothing that sets them apart (or isolates them), not wearing the Hollister or Abercrombie or American Eagle.  Or because they aren't included among the small groups, preferring to spend time by themselves (by choice or by necessity).  Perhaps because they are awkward in small groups (and larger groups).  Perhaps because they are not like us.

Why different?  And if so, why are we so uncomfortable with an individual's differences that we can't find a way to reach out to them, to include them, to make them feel welcome?

Is it because we think we know better?  In our desire to be loved and accepted, we seek out those who will accept us as we are, because they are like us – and politely avoid those who aren't like us – even though we have the opportunity to give them what we all are seeking: love and acceptance.

Whether it's in a student group, or in our main church services, in small groups, in service opportunities... we all know who I'm talking about.  We avoid them, but they are like the people that Christ reached out to, associated with, welcomed into his presence. 

At some point, we are the outsiders.  Who will reach out to us and include us in their circle?  What happens when we have to ask, "Why do you look at me like I'm different?"

377DMG47SBS6

Equipping the saints: Be ready for today

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I need to be ready for tomorrow," or "I know that God is preparing me today for the future."

But what about today?  All of the experiences, the insights, the wisdom and knowledge you have right now has prepared you for... today.

I remember long conversations with people who are so concerned with discerning God's will for their future, that they miss what He has allowed in their lives that has equipped them to be who they are, and where they are.  They are oblivious of the moment, of the day.

I've talked with people who are so paralyzed by indecision because they fear choosing the wrong path.  If it's the wrong path, then God will make that clear to you as well… and guide you to where He wants you through the decision you made.

Don't be afraid to choose.  Often our faith is proven by the choices we make, and being aware that who we are today is by God's design.

377DMG47SBS6 

The blind side of church communications

The church seems to have forgotten how to have a two-way conversation.

The Christian church is good at preaching, at teaching, at carrying out the functions of church – but in many ways have forgotten how to engage its members in meaningful dialog.  Are we too intent on carrying out our roles that we forget how to serve, to care for the people that we are trying to equip?

Church leadership (pastors, boards, ministry directors) often have a blind side to communications – they think they are communicating, but they are really not – substituting email, memos and church policy in place of where true dialog needs to take place, in conversation.

The size of the zone of blindness increases with the size of the church.  Effective church management should be no different than business management, yet the church (in America) rejects this notion.  The blind side grows as churches grow, and as leadership loses touch with people as they pursue ministry.  It grows as the emphasis on evangelism takes the place of equipping people to evangelize.  The blind side grows as the degrees of separation grows from executive and teaching leadership to lay leadership (who often are more in touch with what is really happening in ministries).

It's not too late. Pick up the phone, have lunch with someone who volunteers in your church.  You'll be surprised what you can learn.