Chapter 2 focuses on LifeBridge Christian’s journey to becoming externally focused. Do you think any of their methods could work for Deer Creek? Chapter 3 explains how service is the one area that satisfies the needs and dreams of the city, the calling and capacity of the local church, and the mandates and desires of God. Most of us agree that serving others is something that we should do, but why are we hesitant to serve? What are some of the obstacles to a lasting and passionate commitment to serve others? Feel free to answer these questions, or post any comments about Chapters 2 & 3 here.
June 29, 2007 at 3:45 am
I am not sure if any of LifeBridges approaches will work for DCC. And while I am not a big fan of reinventing the wheel, I also would like to be more prayerful and invite God to direct us, rather than copy what worked for someone else.
As for the issues and obtacles to serving, I can personally attest to experiencing the following: laziness, feelings of inadequacy, busyness, distraction, disobedience, and frankly, just not wanting to! However, when I ignore these feelings and serve anyway I am always blessed. ALWAYS. I have served in areas that I was unprepared for and that I didn’t enjoy, but God always taught me something about myself, or I met some great people, or I was able to plug someone else into that ministry that was well suited for it.
It is somewhat like exercise. If I dont’ schedule it in, it won’t happen. And when the time comes I am not always all that excited about going, but once I am there I really enjoy it and afterwards I feel great. And those times when I’m a real lump and decide to stay home I feel terrible!
July 9, 2007 at 12:20 am
Chapter 2:
I am convicted by Howard Hendricks quote at the end of Ch. 2 about a mediocre life!
The aspect of the Lifebridge story I identifiy with most is the process they walked through identifying focus and broadening or narrowing the focus. Cara, you are absolutely correct – we need to pray and seek God’s direction. I’m guilty of not being specifically prayerful enough in seeking His direction. I’m also guilty of inertia at times. It is heard to get a non-moving object moving.
Chapter 3:
This was a strong chapter for me. I appreciated the visual representation of the thoughts presented with service as the “sweet spot” and the scriptural and contemporary examples. I also appreciated the caution that sometimes nothing or even negative consequences happen.
I’ve read quite a bit on Mission Arlington in the past. I’ve also met with one of the Lifeboat 14 founders. Having a real estate/rental market career – renting an apartment or trailer for ministry justs knocks my socks off! I love the idea. (But I know we need to do whatever God calls us to do – I know!?! – prayer!!!) We are invited to visit/share in their ministry out in Aurora near the new Fitz. campus should we want to. It is simply an opportunity to be exposed to things going on. They meet on Friday nights for youth activities. That said, an important part of my personal process has been to be exposed to the number and variety of ministries going on. Finding out about the passion, process, and pitfalls helps me to prepare for whatever God is calling us to and creates thanksgiving at the same time.
Why am I hesitant to serve?: I think at this stage it is because I want to serve for the longterm in a ministry area. I want to integrate my professional life and ministry. I’ve done nursery, children, youth, small group hospitality and worship, homeless meals, teen moms, … I would really like to get involved in an area that I am still involved in 20 years from now. Maybe that is unrealistic – we’ll see. I’ve even gone back to school to try to better integrate my professional and mininstry life (economic development and housing). At the same time, I am very aware of not doing ministry correctly at times or not be adequately equipped at times – I have a strong drive to serve well and not unintentionally cause harm. I want to serve within a community – respecting the value, assets, needs, and desires of those I am in relationship with. That is much harder than it sounds. It is so easy to segment into us and them (the server and the servee). God keeps busting my preconceptions and worldview. Anyway – I could go on and on…
Finally, I need to remember that a lot of service is very quiet, behind the scenes, and individual to individual. God in His abundant grace has put a couple of people in front of me when I least expected it and I had the privilege of blessing them and them, me. I’ve also given into the inconvenience and interruption problems at times and failed to serve.
This isn’t easy – but it is an amazing journey.
July 28, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Busy summer, but finally commenting on Chapter 2 – Once again, I am caught by the word “local.” I circled it time and time again in this chapter. I’m still struggling with what that entails. I can totally appreciate ceveret2’s comments about the Fitz campus in Aurora. I don’t want to sound like I’m trying to get out of ministry opportunities, but I’m still nagged by the initial questions: “What would OUR COMMUNITY think if Deer Creek was no longer here?” “Local, local, local.” “Who is my neighbor?” I guess I picture having a relationship that is intimate with our proximal neighbors; maybe it’s because I’m reading Jan Karon’s Mitford series!
I love that Father Tim knows everyone within walking distance of the rectory; he communes with them over tea and conversation. Of course, it shouldn’t just be Father Tim making all of those calls! Anyway, I’m looking forward to some answers and ideas in coming chapters.
July 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I just finished Chapter 3 – it’s overwhelming and exciting at the same time. So many ideas! I even thought of another one–mowing lawns for our neighbors. However, then, my fear takes over–inadequacies, lack of time, too much effort. Then, the fear I really despise–liability issues, etc. Ugh! It occurred to me that no one is banging on our doors for help (well, I guess, that I know of). The community no longer expects the church to help them. Imagine us offering help! The community would be stunned, maybe even speechless! Would they know what to ask for? Would we be willing to give it? Hmmm . . . lots to think about, and my mind is full!