Last night we had our second meeting of our first Harvest Group. Went pretty well, but I have a few concerns.
We opened with small talk, then, a little prayer. I explained before the prayer that praying should be simple when it begins a meeting or dinner. I want to begin emphasizing habits that can easily be integrated into life. Following prayer I shared my faith story. Then, we read John 4 and discussed it. I brought up a few details that probably would have been better left out simply because they had to do with biblical background that a new leader would not be familiar with. I need to be more thoughtful related to communicating ideas that are not easily reproducible (unless, of course, I want to put about 40 hours into each lesson to cover all that content). Jame seemed very responsive and interested. I made sure to emphasize the idea that this was a somewhat uncomfortable conversation for the woman. I think we need to realize that a little discomfort is OK and to be expected. I also pointed out that Jesus referred to worship that is not related to location. This gave me a chance to affirm that it's not about a building. We dwelt on the idea that this experience was deeply satisfying for Jesus and the idea that the field already contains a ripe harvest. I gave our group permission that, if they struck up a spiritual conversation with someone who is resistant, they may feel free to move on to someone God has prepared rather than beating up someone who is not ready.
After discussing John for I gave the group a few minutes to write their faith stories on a 4x6 card. (I need 5x7 cards next time.) As should be expected, the somewhat discipled believer cut corners and did a poor job. The newer believer nailed it. He did not seem to be uncomfortable at all. After telling our stories to one another, I had them look back over their list of people from last week. I asked them to look at the list and see who they thought God would like them to tell their faith story this week. I prayed as they looked over their lists. James was quick to point out a handful (3-6) of people he thought he should tell. Now it's time to pray he does.
So far, so good. I am a little concerned because James thinks his wife will react very flippantly toward the opportunity to meet with us. I'm not sure what to do but pray. His wife seems like a very sweet, conscientious person who would be willing to give her husband's faith a try. So, I will continue to pray for both of them - that God would help James lead Kim to study with us. My biggest concern is that we are building a divide between them. Goodness knows that we don't need that. My other concern is that meeting seem to be taking a solid hour and a half. That seems reasonable to me, but Tim seems a little in denial about this as he talks about inviting his wife. My concern is that she is a very structured woman. If she is told we will be done in an hour, she will be utterly frustrated if we take longer.
Time to pray, pray, pray. My hope is that God will work through these issues in a very reasonable way, so we don't have to begin creating artificial rules. Our next lesson will be 1 Corinthians 15. After discussing the lesson we will talk about how to tell God's story and evidences for the resurrection of Christ. I have my work cut out for me getting this lesson together. I am deciding if the following lesson should be The Great Commission - focusing on baptism & other commands of Christ or if we should look at 1 Corinthians 11 and institute Lord's Supper. Good things to think about. I can't wait for next Tuesday!
Tonight I will talk with the parents of our teenagers. I'm praying we might have the chance to begin a group among them - maybe in Saginaw. This group would give us a chance to try something new. I am considering a third type of group with people of peace who come through the doors of our church - a group that looks like a Harvest Group but maintains the Sunday morning connection with CrossRoads. The Sunday morning connection will create a different dynamic, but will have a more direct growth opportunity.
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