IBC Blog

My friend Jason Post is a pastor in Galway, Ireland. I was listening to his sermon podcast this week in which he made reference to an idea from Paul Stephens's book The Other Six Days. Jason said the church is not only the body of Christ, we are, in a way, the blood of Christ. Consider the similarities...

Yesterday was Pastor Andy's last sermon before he leaves on sabbatical. It's going to be different around here without his voice, both on Sundays and throughout the week. I think this is going to be an important time for him, his family, and IBC. Here's what I'm praying for...

There are three small group leaders I meet for breakfast once a week. We spend an hour talking about the challenges of community, patterns of spiritual growth, and how to become better leaders. Last week, we were talking about a few group members who stonewall, who refuse to open up about their hearts, their struggles, or their stories. One of the leaders at the table, Robert, said, "How do you successfully invade someone's life?"

I was struck by his question and the way he phrased it. It's a theme among our small group leaders. Almost every group has those members who seem like they only show up for the spinach dip. Their heart just isn't in it. So what do you do with those folks? How do you get them to open up? How do you "invade their life?"

I have a few tips..

After five seasons of baseball, my son, Zach, has finally found a coach who speaks his language. Coach Dean is an ex-Marine who barks orders, drills for precision, and demands respect. Zach eats it up. After last week's game, Coach Dean awarded Zach the game ball. Zach was so thrilled, he slept with it that night. Both Zach and Coach Dean are fiercely competitive. After five seasons of the no-one-strikes-out-everyone-gets-a-trophy approach, Zach was ready for a push.

Is your small group failure-friendly?

The first two years of my college experience (before I changed churches to chase a pretty co-ed whom I later married) I was involved in the University Ministry at First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas. I was part of a student leadership team there, and I remember one of our meetings in which the University Pastor told us, "This is a failure-friendly environment." 

I remember thinking what a bad idea that was. I thought, "Isn't that just inviting us to mess up? Shouldn't he set expectations high rather than giving us an excuse not to do our best?" Secretly, I questioned his leadership.

But as I've gotten older — and, frankly, as I have become more acquainted with failure — I see the wisdom in that pastor's message. The context there was one of risk. We were starting some new ministry initiatives. He was handing off more of the ministry's leadership and ownership to students. We were stretching, growing and trying new things. As I look back, I see a good model in that for small groups… 

IBC staffer Donna O'Reilly read the entire Bible during the 40 days of Lent. After much cajoling (Donna does not enjoy the spotlight) she agreed to share her reflections on the experience. 

Easter is a time for new beginnings. Is it time to start thinking about beginning something new with your small group? Is it time to think about quitting something?