I've been reading two books on (church) community: ”Becoming a True Spiritual Community" and "Connecting" by Dr. Larry Crabb. Both have been extremely mind-blowing on WHY we/the Church have/has turned to “professional counseling” versus bringing “issues” to the community/body of Christ. If we are all priests and are filled with the same exact Holy Spirit that indwelt/empowered Jesus Christ, are we not fully equipped to handle everything within a true spiritual community?
Romans 12:15 has been heavy on my heart as of lately: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Whenever something comes to my attention, whether brokenness being revealed in my community group, some fall in my men’s group, or struggle in my own home, God has been gently reminding me of being aware of “teaching moments” and moments of simply joining at the hip with the mourner to mourn.
Last week a fellow Pastor/friend of mine died. He was 36 years old before God promoted him to glory. Several of us who knew him/worked with him all stood in the room together and grieved together after hearing the news. I felt no pressure to try to say anything. We were all simply mourning together. The most senior Chaplain in the room had a few words to say and it was completely appropriate. I love how God orchestrates all of that in the midst of what I called “chaos.”
God has been changing my thinking on what community looks like. I’ve been so encouraged in pointing people to the Savior by showing them just how much I need the Savior. And by implementing what Dr. Crabb calls, “turning my Chair inward,” I’m offering all of myself (and my brokenness) to form true spiritual community where people use my ears to bury their problems in order to begin healing. Amen and amen!
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