Are you leading by the quail or the rope principle?
Ephesians 4:11—14 “he gave apostles, prophets...to equip the saints for the ministry, for building the Body of Christ”……..so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning……
I find it interesting and often humorous as I watch people cross the intersection in front of my office at Fifth and Miller. Especially the Moms with little ones in tow or the daycares/pre-schools as they go for an outing.
Some travel in straight lines with the leading parent/teacher eyes front obviously with an expectation that those behind regardless of age and personality will follow. They know their destination and it is all about getting there and not so much about enjoying the journey. Other adults push/herd from the back with an eye on every child and look a little like a random flock of quail wandering down the sidewalk. There is sense of chaos but usually also time taken to appreciate the occasional butterfly or flower. Some larger groups travel with a connecting line of hand-holding followers strung out behind and an adult taking up the rearguard position. Definitely a military style operation and the care and safety of the group uppermost. I am really impressed by the organized groups which have a rope held at each end by an adult and the little ones in between and obviously admonished to hold on to the rope and stay in line. They have provided a way to stay connected and yet are able to keep their charges moving along in a purposeful way and be able to watch for potential dangers as they travel.
I would wonder if perhaps from Gods perspective as He watches us travel through life with our families, life groups, churches and communities if the patterns He sees might be very similar to the four I described. We start out as followers then progress to leadership. Groups change in personnel and personality and if they are healthy will see their members go from being followers and children to leaders and parents. One quote about the role of parenting resonates with me, “we are to give our children roots so they are anchored and solid when the winds of life blow but also give them wings so they can fly on their own, they were not designed to stay in the nest.” (italics mine) Parenting has to be an intentional process forming and shaping those in our care with the big picture in mind throughout the process. So it also is for us as Life Group leaders. Leadership needs to be intentional and with an eye towards the big picture, helping each member fulfill the role God has for them in their journey so that when they step into eternity their lives will reflect fruit and having lived a purpose driven life.

Great things are happening in our churches Life Group Ministry and we appreciate you being part of it. We will be developing a resource catalog for life group leaders, potential life group members and current life group members. One section will feature life groups-- location, leadership and demographic. We will be asking for a picture of you and your spouse( if appropriate) to include in the reference to your life group. Margo will be getting in touch with you to arrange for either a photo from you or a time to take one for our catalog.

Blessings to you and again YOU ARE APPRECIATED.

Please let us know of ministry you are about this summer and again any meaningful things that you are experiencing.