We have arrived at the month and a half mark. Our family has gone through transition to a new city and a new community; and here's the biggest surprise so far: No one has asked us, or guilted us into serving yet. Believe me, I've been waiting, and not that we aren't called as the body to use our gifts for the edification of the local church, but I've been amazed at how the leadership and community here has welcomed us as family and enjoy the blessings of being a part of the body. The funny thing is that our response to this love is a motivation and a desire to serve, to bless, and care for the body and our neighbors. Transition hasn't been easy, but we know Christ is better and worth the trials and "discomfort" we've experienced. When we've been real about our struggles, this has "forced" us to ask for help, and we've seen grace extended to us. People praying for us, coming to our house to pray for us and our kids, and just being our friends.
One of the first meetings I had with Jonathan as a new resident, he emphasized the importance of transitioning well. Any of you who have gone through transitions understand what a strain it can be emotionally and physically to you and your family. Jonathan began to tell us what the first year of the residency would entail. Here are some points:
-Adjust family well: Know your wife's disposition and help her connect and cultivate relationships here. Make sure you begin to develop relationships in your City Group. Date your wife, don't allow ministry to be the mistress in your home.
- Catch up on the elder material and reading we are going through(more on this later). We are a part of 2 other elders who are being trained and tested to be elders in the local church. This is rooted in the good news of Christ.
-Learn From Everyone: Everyone here is a disciple of Jesus. Everyone here has something to offer and teach you. Take the posture of a learner. Ask everyone how they are being missional, how they are reaching their neighbors,etc. Ask LOTS of questions. We should be the best question askers.
-Learn from Austin natives: Begin to develop a love for the city you are called in by learning from the people who know it best. Ask about the local spots, culture, and their assesment of the spirituality of the city.
These are points from the first meeting as residents. The vision of the first year was given(connect then plant a city group(missional community), go through the eldership process(4 phases; more on this later), and serve and bless your neighborhood church and community.
Leaders, I can't stress the importance of allowing people to transition well, and loving them in the process. People are joining family on the mission of God, not enlisting in an expendible army on your mission as a pastor. Treat them as such.
One of the first meetings I had with Jonathan as a new resident, he emphasized the importance of transitioning well. Any of you who have gone through transitions understand what a strain it can be emotionally and physically to you and your family. Jonathan began to tell us what the first year of the residency would entail. Here are some points:
-Adjust family well: Know your wife's disposition and help her connect and cultivate relationships here. Make sure you begin to develop relationships in your City Group. Date your wife, don't allow ministry to be the mistress in your home.
- Catch up on the elder material and reading we are going through(more on this later). We are a part of 2 other elders who are being trained and tested to be elders in the local church. This is rooted in the good news of Christ.
-Learn From Everyone: Everyone here is a disciple of Jesus. Everyone here has something to offer and teach you. Take the posture of a learner. Ask everyone how they are being missional, how they are reaching their neighbors,etc. Ask LOTS of questions. We should be the best question askers.
-Learn from Austin natives: Begin to develop a love for the city you are called in by learning from the people who know it best. Ask about the local spots, culture, and their assesment of the spirituality of the city.
These are points from the first meeting as residents. The vision of the first year was given(connect then plant a city group(missional community), go through the eldership process(4 phases; more on this later), and serve and bless your neighborhood church and community.
Leaders, I can't stress the importance of allowing people to transition well, and loving them in the process. People are joining family on the mission of God, not enlisting in an expendible army on your mission as a pastor. Treat them as such.