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Mutual Benefit
By Paul | January 9, 2007
by Brad Wagoner, coach for GROWing Families’ leaders last year, and current 2nd Wind care group leader
At work, I do a lot of writing, but it’s mostly instructions and procedures on how to repair electrical equipment at the power plant or revising the manual we use to describe our process and of course emails! Writing an interesting, informative and hopefully inspiring article for the “Sower” is quite intimidating and much more challenging.
One of our most valuable small group ministry experiences at Bethel was last year when Llena and I were privileged to serve as coaches for several growing families care groups. We got to know many wonderful families and marveled at the creative ways they incorporated their children into the group experience. The leaders were well equipped, prepared and had a vision of where God wanted them to take their group. As second winders, we were encouraged and challenged by the energy and passion of the younger folks. The groups seemed to operate pretty much on auto.
So then, why did they need us? Good question! Sometimes we really didn’t “feel” needed but understood our roll to cover them in prayer, to be available as a resource and to provide encouragement, and direction when needed. But, as we discovered, it works both ways. We were learning from each other…imagine that! They inspired us with their energy, passion and commitment. We, on the other hand, having raised our family and survived the ups and downs of childrearing, we were able to provide wisdom and a perspective that many of them found helpful.
Our coaching experience was great and we can see how God used it to grow us on ways we would not have otherwise. However, due to leadership changes and our desire to be in our own group, we’ve returned to co-leading a second wind group this year. But, because of the mutual benefit and blessing we enjoyed last year, our group has partnered with one of the growing families groups. We’re in the process of working out the details but we foresee planning social and ministry activities to encourage and strengthen each other as we seek to impact our community for our Lord Jesus.
As a small group leader, won’t you consider praying about the possibility of partnering with another group of a different generation? Take the initiative and contact another group you feel may be compatible and explore the possibilities (Hebrews 10:23-25). You may even get an opportunity to share your experience in a piece for the Sower!
Topics: Inspire |
January 9th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Brad rocks!