We NEED each other!

Today, our church staff participated in a workshop which was designed to teach us about how we communicate. As with any staff, corporate or otherwise, we are comprised of VERY unique individuals. I'd be lying if I said that we all ALWAYS got along, or that we are even able to completely tolerate one another.

So, we participated in an "Insights" development session. We learned about our communication methods, what we are good at, what we need to work on individually, and how to best communicate with others who have different strengths and weaknesses. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I took away from this session. We often hear someone say "there are no bad ideas/questions", but my cynical mind always adds in "yeah, but there are stupid people with bad ideas/questions!" ;)

After reading about my own strengths and weaknesses, it became more apparent to me that I need everyone else on staff. Those other staff members whom I don't always agree with are necessary to provide things to the congregation in the name of Christ which I don't have the skills to do. I left our meeting with high hopes that I would be more open minded to different communication styles. I am certainly not better than others...just different.

I was struck especially by a comment provided by the leader of the session...She very briefly remarked that Jesus' disciples were (paraphrased) a rag-tag, seemingly thrown together bunch of folk who might not always have gotten along or even associated with each other had it not been for Jesus.

So I ask you today, WHO ARE YOU SICK OF?!?! Is there someone in your life, in your home, in your church who is driving you UP THE WALL?! Do you feel like your life would be easier if they were just OUT of the PICTURE for a little while. OBVIOUSLY, no good can come from their presence any longer. Trust me...I've got a few of them too.

But today, reflecting more on the example of Christ, I'm working to see them as different, imperfect just as I am, but different reflections of Christ. The way that I relate to people, the way I write a blog, the way I understand Christ is NOT the way everyone sees it. It is impossible for me to communicate perfectly with everyone, hence I need help spreading the message of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "communication seminar leader"...he is the guide which we should follow. If we follow his example, we can be confident that in our own ways (and in whatever rag-tag assembly of people we are a part of) we will be affecting and impacting people for His glory.

With what is left of this week, might we turn our differences into opportunities to reach more people for Jesus? I am not very organized. I need someone to help me reach people for Christ who think I am an unorganized lunatic! The person best equipped to reach others today might be the same person I just CAN'T STAND right now because they are so anal about X/Y or Z.

Embrace your differences today. Embrace the idea that while you have gifts, you also have weaknesses. We need each other, created by both genetics and all of our unique life experiences, to reach the world for Jesus. Too often we sit back and watch (or participate with) each other; moaning and groaning about which group is better/worse/smarter/has a bigger budget/gets more publicity/has a better leader. INSTEAD we should look for opportunities to serve where we have been gifted and where we are needed. Then, encourage others to serve in their own way...according to their gifts and graces.

I need you today. I am not equipped to reach some of you, some of your friends, some of the people in your neighborhood. I am imperfect, and while my personality profile said I'm outgoing, its not an "outgoing" that everyone will love. My personality profile said that my "personality" is engaging to some, but turns others off because it is too "outgoing". That is why I need you...why we need each other.

Most importantly, that is why Jesus needs whoever you are, whatever your personality profile shows, to reach out and serve with your gifts today.

REALLY STUPID BLOG today...but I enjoyed the session. If you ever have an opportunity to do a "communications" learning session with your staff/friends/church family, I strongly recommend it.

I'll be blogging tomorrow on my sermon for the weekend. Until then, I'll be praying for you. Would you do the same for me?