The Call

As second chair leaders who focus primarily behind the scenes, our contributions to the community of faith, often gets lost in the myriad of congregational events that are quite visible and take center stage. Sometimes I wonder if what I do is making an impact. In my impatience, I want to see immediate results that make a difference in people’s lives. Sometimes that happens, but much of the time what I do doesn’t bring immediate measurable results. Like a planted seed, the impact of my decisions as an educator flourishes in its own good time.

Hear the following testimony of a member of our congregation (name withheld for privacy, but permission to share received) who recently wrote an article for our Christian education newsletter. It gives testimony to the power of small group ministry. Words like this help me realize that what I do to provide good educational experiences is making a difference in people’s lives.

One morning I was sitting on the couch, trying to regroup from a night of restless sleep. I was a new mom and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, somewhat alone and not sure of what I was supposed to be doing. That is when the call came. A dear friend of mine was checking in on me (and let’s be honest, the baby too!). It was such a relief for me to be talking to an adult—a woman and a mother—someone who knew right where I was from her own experience. We chatted for a while and at the end of the conversation she invited me to attend the women’s Bible study that met on Thursday morning at DBC. I politely told her that I would think about it. I gave the excuse that mornings are a hard time–something about the baby’s schedule, lack of sleep, not being able to be dressed appropriately for company, etc. My friend’s response was – ‘I will see you there.’

When Thursday morning arrived, I reluctantly pulled myself together, and my baby, and headed for Bible study. The words, ‘I will see you there’ were playing over and over in my head, and I felt that she was expecting me—no excuses! I walked in the room and I saw my friend. I quickly sat down beside her. She smiled and said, ‘I knew you would come.’ I smiled back and said, ’wasn’t so sure.’ As I looked around the room, I saw other friends, familiar faces, and a few I didn’t know, but it was just a matter of time before that all changed.

The studies I have been involved in over the past year and a half have been a blessing to me. Each study touched me in a way that compelled me to be an active participant in my walk with Christ and to search for an intimate relationship with my God. The study, Conversation Peace, by Mary Kassian, taught about being changed. To really change what is in my heart will be reflected in my words, actions and relationships. The study, Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow, helped me understand that contentment is a state of the heart, not of affairs. If I give all of myself to God, I will find true contentment. The study, Becoming a Woman of Excellence, by Cynthia Heald, taught me that excellence is a goal worth pursuing. I want to be transformed into the person God has intended me to be. As each new Bible study topic is announced, I know that not only my friend has called me to be there; God is calling.

I have met the most incredible women through these Bible studies with whom I share similar life experiences—the hurt, the disappointment, the triumphs and the blessings. We learn from one another, fellowship together and most importantly read the word of God and hold each other accountable. I encourage you to search your heart and to listen for that call…’I will see you there.’”

Suggestion: Give folks a chance to tell their stories! Most congregations are fairly good about promoting upcoming events, but not so good at sharing the meaningful experiences that are occurring in people’s lives.