As leaders at NCC, our goal is to make disciples. But there is one important principle of disciple-making: You cannot lead someone to a place where you are not going yourself.
I think one of the greatest dangers that leaders face is the tendency to become a travel agent instead of a tour guide. We have a tendency to want to tell people what to believe and how to live a life of faith instead of inviting them to go on that journey with us.
Can I confess something? I was beating my head against the wall all day yesterday trying to put together some small group curriculum. And it just wasn’t coming together. Finally, around 5:00, I heard that still small voice. (Side note– I think I know why God typically uses that still small voice. If he were to use anything louder, it would blow us away). Anyway, I heard that still small voice calling me to come away and be with him. That’s when I realized for the first time that I had wasted an entire day trying to put together lesson plans without even asking God if he wanted to be a part of the process. I was trying to be a travel agent instead of a tour guide.
Can I confess further? Sometimes, I use prayer as a “last resort.” I experience a problem with a person– and if all else fails, I pray. I try to prepare a small group lesson– and if all else fails, I pray. I get sick and can’t shake it– and if all else fails, I pray. My prayers are typically reactive instead of proactive.
As leaders, we have the tendency to go on autopilot and glide through life and “ministry,” resting on our knowledge, experience, and past encounters with Christ. But God wants space in your life today. Now. Where is the GodSpace in our lives? And I am not talking about checking off our little daily devotional boxes. I am talking about walking with God. Communion with God. Inviting him into every moment of our lives. We may need to be intentional about creating GodSpace.
In Exodus 33:7, we read that Moses would leave the camp and set up a tent to meet with God. Where is that tent in our lives? Sometimes, we need to get outside the camp and be with God. In the other times, we need to invite God to come into our camps with us- at home, at work, in our relationships, in our small groups and ministries, in our daily decisions.
Then, we are not simply travel agents, telling people where to go on their faith journeys. Instead, we are tour guides, taking people with us along our own faith journey.
If this is a topic you would like to explore further, I would recommend the following books:
Practicing the Presence of God (by Brother Andrew)
God is Closer Than You Think (by John Ortberg)
this was immensely helpful
*hasler
jh
November 3rd, 2005
Funny, that prayer of last resort. Seems like we all use it. I do it anyway, and I just don’t think, Heather, that you and I are alone.
But it reminds me of a habit that we’re trying to break Mackenzie of. When she’s trying to do something that she can’t get done by herself whether it’s reaching a tall shelf or zipping her dress or tying her shoe, instead of asking for help, she’ll start this little whining cry that, in short order, turns into a fulfledged scream of frustration. We keep telling her, “Mackenzie, don’t scream/whine/cry. Just ask for help and we will gladly help you out. You just can’t do this for yourself yet.”
I think God stands over me a lot and says, “Kim quit screaming/crying/whining. Just ask me for help. I’d love to help you out. You just can’t do this on your own. You’re not big enough, but I AM.” Sometimes I wonder when I’ll learn the same lesson that I’m trying to teach my 3 year old. Ask for help first, before frustration sets it. If I as a broken, human parent am chomping at the bit to help my child, think about what God who is all knowing and perfect would like to do for me if I would just ask. And yet here I am like my 3 year old, 9 times out of 10, saying, “No! I’ll do it!” and then screaming in frustration when I can’t. AMAZING! And He loves me anyway!
Kim H
November 3rd, 2005
Heather I loved this. Wow what helpful application that makes me stop and evaluate how I am doing in all these areas. It’s amazing despite my honest evaluation God still lets me participate with him. Thank God, His mercies are new every day.
Btw, Kim I loved your comment. I love reminders of how big God is. Thanks all. Heidi
heidiscanlon
November 3rd, 2005
[...] ONE vision, we must first be a disciple ourselves, before we can make a disciple. Going back to the GodSpace lesson, how can we lead someone somewhere we’ve never [...]
The Zone Gathering » Blog Archive » The Zonegathering Vault: Servant Shepherd
August 23rd, 2007