Choosing your next toothpaste is one of the most overwhelming tasks at your local drugstore or grocery store. Today, we are given shelves stacked with a rainbow selection of brands, tastes, and specific features. From mint (which is the most popular flavour) to anti-cavity functions and whitening abilities, there are literally hundreds of options vying for your 30-sec decision. Do you go with a tried and trusted brand? The shininess box? The one that is on sale? Toothpaste, who knew we needed this many options?
Well, it seems the marketplace knew, as it is estimated that the global markets of toothpaste are around $18 billion, and it is projected to grow to $22 billion by 2027. As it turns out, consumers like us have an appetite for toothpaste options, and these companies are happy to keep our attention on the many products we can choose from.
Today, the number of church leadership strategies and ministries models are also like the shelves of toothpaste we see at the store. There are so many to choose from that we spend much of our attention mulling over, and yet, the only gauge of success is the success of another church–A distinctive, organic community with its unique sets of lives, relationships, geography, histories, traditions and calling. While we can learn much from these strategies and models, these products are not the key ingredient to a healthy ministry. Just like dental hygiene, no amount of toothpaste will get us the results we need if we don't know how to brush our teeth correctly.
Leading a life group can be a daunting ministry, and today, there are countless helpful models for fellowship leaders that churches can choose from. From practical leadership developments to fellowship structures and themes, there are many good options for every type of leader and group dynamics. We can learn something from many of them. Yet, one of the most crucial elements of leadership in the church is not the strategy but the spiritual well-being of the person–you, the life group leader.
As God works through people, so your well-being and growth as a leader are critical to the well-being of our life group ministry. To lead and to serve can’t just be about a good strategy, good intentions, or a trending fellowship system, but it must flow from a leader who is filled–Leading and serving must be an overflowing of God’s filling in your life. If the Holy Spirit does not fuel the fire in our hearts for serving, we will only be burning ourselves until we are burnt out. This is something I am fighting to learn as well.
I think this is where the life of Joshua can teach us. In Joshua chapter 1, God commissioned Joshua to take the lead after the death of Moses. Three things stood out to me: 1) As Joshua takes the lead, God said He would be with him (vv.5.) 2) He then commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous multiple times (vv.6, 9) and then affirmed again via his people (vv.18.) And lastly 3) to continually meditate on God’s Word–the scriptures–and to live by them (vv.7-8.)
From this chapter, it seems the foundation of Joshua’s leadership is marked by a boldness and courage that came from a side-by-side walking with his God. And the how-to, or how God will stay by him, is not a microwave, pre-packaged shortcut or program, but a patient acquisition of God’s Word and long obedience to His will. Joshua brushes his leadership teeth patiently with steadfastness. He followed God’s direction as he was told and didn’t cut corners or “condense” God’s direction to fit his time and availability. It’s not that Joshua has no plan or strategy (i.e. He used spies as part of his recon strategy in chapter 2!), but rather, the discernment for how God will lead his people into the promised land starts with a leader who is walking close to God and is being filled by His words.
Being filled by God’s grace and His words are the basis of a flourishing life as a leader. Without it, we can’t overflow into the other’s lives. Without it, we won’t be able to see and hear what the Holy Spirit is directing us as we lead and serve others in our life group ministry.
I believe all of us life group leaders want to overflow with God’s grace and presence in our lives. We want to grow and transform toward holiness as we lead others toward it. Yet, we may sometimes feel stuck–desperate for a change quickly–and we try to look for something new and flashy to get us out of it. We want to try that next program or model that is on the shelf. We want to grasp at something that we can do and apply quickly. Don’t fall for that temptation! Go the opposite way, take the narrow road, and set a slower pace as we cruise in a school zone. A zone where we learn to simmer and meditate on His words. A season where we are made ready in God’s timing to take us into His promised land.
- P.Calvin
How is your leadership today? Do you need to be filled? On June 17th, we have set aside a day when we want you to be filled. Not with lessons and tools, but rather, an opportunity to open your hand and heart to what God wants to do in you as his children. We hope to see you that day.