Monday, November 23, 2009

Why we share, how we share

Here's my take on the Why we Share, How we share questions:

Why we share:
1. To learn to be vulnerable (with people and God -- they are connected).
2. To get to know each other better, to build deeper relationships/community.
3. To learn to listen. To be heard. Encouragement.
4. To invite God into the situation and/or recognize His work in it in new ways.
5. To get outside perspective and see things we can't see alone.
(The picture of the "body of Christ" in Ephesians is a great image for a number of these ideas -- life and health comes from connection in the body and with Jesus individually and corporately).

How we share:
1. We try to listen and accept people without judging them. This doesn't mean we agree with all their choices or ideas or pretend that nothing is wrong when it is, but we are called to love first (and often this means being slow to speak and quick to listen).
2. We pray for each other. We believe (and have seen) that inviting God into situations and peoples' lives can make a difference, and is one way of loving each other and following Jesus.
3. Emotion is ok.
4. We will brainstorm and problem-solve with people if they want, but don't assume that can or should always follow sharing. We can't fix everything but we want to bring our resources to the table for growth, healing and mission.

What do you think? What other benefits or dangers do you see from having this as such a big emphasis?

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