Friday, 28 May 2010

• Called to Lead: Lord Call on Anyone But Me

  This summer, I'm leading a growth group at my church. I'm still stunned that I'm in this position. If you asked me six months ago about ever leading a small church group, I would have "poo pooed" the idea. Who am I to lead a growth group?
  
  I sat in the orientation of leaders last night and felt slightly discouraged at the onset of the meeting. The leaders from growth groups passed walked to the stage and shared their testimonies of leading small groups with great success. I looked at a few of them up on the platform assured that I could never stand in their shoes.
  
  As a few of the pastors spoke at the orientation, my insecurities began to slightly wane. Both of my pastors reassured us that obstacles would come along. However, they both highlighted that God will work through us. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing the Holy Spirit would do the work. "God's too smart to leave the souls of His children with me" I thought to myself.
  
  At the close of the orientation meeting, my pastor discussed the importance of relational experience to spiritual growth. A light in my head suddenly clicked on. I've prayed sincerely for two things in my life lately: healthy relationships and spiritual growth. Leading this growth group isn't merely about the members of the group and their growth. Rather, it encompasses my growth as well. God surely has a funny way of maturing us and answering prayer.
  
  When I thought about running this group, I asked God "Are You sure You know what You're doing?" Since I've prayed on it, I've received several confirmations that this is God's will. The Screwtape Letters was the book that came to my mind as soon as I thought about leading a group. Since then, my friend invited me to an off Broadway show of it and my church had a play group to view it. Even I could chalk this up to mere happenstance, there were several more confirmations that have officially sealed the deal. I'm reading a book by Stormie Omartian that referenced the Screwtape Tape Letters and relational growth during my a.m. subway ride today. "Dear God, I get the point" I thought to myself today. I smirked in that way that only God can me laugh and I've accepted my role as a growth group leader.
  
  I'm humbled at the idea that I can be in a leadership position at my church or any church for that matter. What makes me so different than the other leaders of growth groups? Nothing but previous experience and a willing spirit to follow their calling. I've had some great ideas about what to do for the group but please pass yours along as well. God knows I can use all the help I can get.
  
  Have you ever served in a leadership position at your church? Did you walk in with 100% confidence or some hesitancy?
  
  

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