My Small Group Experience
Friends in Christ,
I was asked by Pastor Chris if I could share with you my small group experience I'm having with my Men's group (Christian Leadership Concepts). CLC is a program developed by Dr. Hal Hadden and run by a dedicated group of men committed to helping us develop a personal relationship with Christ and having God's love flow through us in all facets of our life (friendship, marriage, work, parenting, etc.). I used to think that joining a small group was a pretty binary decision. I've learned it's because I didn't allow it to be anything more. Looking back, I went through a number of phases as I contemplated and engaged in this small group. I can see where I 'checked out' on many other opportunities. Perhaps these phases will seem familiar to some of you.
Disconnected Contentment - Oh, that's nice.
When I first heard this small group was being formed at Maple Grove Lutheran Church, I was pleased that we had motivated individuals that had their ear to the ground for such types of activities. It must be nice to have the time to spare to follow through and enjoy that time together. I longed for the day that things would settle down enough for me to pursue interesting things like this.
Vacant Curiosity - Not that I would be interested or could find the time, but what's that small group all about?
I harmlessly transitioned to reading about the program and asking some questions of folks I knew were also contemplating it. I even went to an information session knowing it would still be easy for me to justify not joining. I'm just simply too busy, you know.
His Patience, My Pause - Why am I still thinking about this?
Perhaps the most important moment of this process is when I chose, and I did have to consciously choose, to open my heart and mind to what His plan was for me. This is what usually scares me back into 'Vacant Curiosity'. We're all quite comfortable in our skin, living our life in that space referred to as DK2 (you don't know what you don't know). We haven't spent a lot time with the Good Book and we're probably not comfortable spending time with folks that have. I remember feeling embarrassed about that and didn't want to put myself in the uncomfortable position of having that out in the open.
Core Questions - Is that my foundation shaking?
I realized at this point the foundation of my faith had been built up through Sunday School and Confirmation. While my involvement in church had certainly increased through my adult years, I felt like I was 'remodeling' my faith, perhaps more affected by the context of my situations instead of being securely grounded in God's purpose. Maybe this would be my chance to build a new foundation. Maybe that foundation could support and inspire me, my family and my friends.
The Big Plunge - Don't wait to be convinced
It's important now that you trust me on this one point. Don't wait until you're totally convinced because you won't be until you're actually involved and His love is being revealed to you in ways you could not have anticipated. There couldn't be a more important leap of faith than to join your friends in Christ or invite new friends to join you in learning more with them and how God's love is revealed through them. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you this group of men has become a very important part of my life. While we all had different starting places, we have grown together. Through the experience and insight of others as well as my own, I have been universally affected.
My wife, Peg and my parents, Ken and Dana (also members of MGLC) have been an incredible inspiration to me. Their selfless dedication to serving and envisioning how we can continue to grow in Christ was core to opening my heart and mind to His plan. My children, Mandi and Jason motivate me to act on my new discoveries as they are more likely to do as I do not as I say. It is now more clear to me that being plugged into His love and His word through small groups like this brings me peace and patience uncommon in today's world. Not all small groups are for everyone. However, if one has caught your attention, I encourage you to courageously investigate a bit further and consider that the doorway you are standing outside of may be there for a reason.
In Christ,
Chris Turnquist