A friend recently texted a Ruth Haley Barton musing worth repeating, which is this quote: “Those of us who come together to lead churches and organizations with a Christian purpose answer to a deeper calling: to move beyond teamwork and live into the great spiritual reality called Christian community. A New Testament perspective makes it clear that Christian community is made of people who gather around the transforming presence of Christ so they can do the will of God.” This powerful musing leads me to ponder the community around leaders that nudges them to mature together in the presence of Christ while being nurtured that they may be the healthiest expressions of who they are. Often leaders forget they are human too and need similar support they offer to others.
I was once asked what has caused me to grow so quickly to a healthier place? My simple response was, “People.” As I strengthen my support circle, I suggest some roles to consider others may play as part of your support circle as well. Who is already offering support in the following areas? Which of these areas might need someone to fill?
Fun – Who shares interests or hobbies with you and is willing to just play & draw out joy filled refreshment?
Practical – Who can carpool, take the kids for a weekend, dog sit, share their lawn mower when yours won’t start, or prepare a meal when you’re sick?
Comfort – Who can just hold space for you emotionally in any circumstance and listen to understand without judgement or seeking to fix you or the situation?
Growth – Who has earned trust to rebuke you, who challenges you to reflect, who wrestles through hard questions with you, and nudges you to participate with a receiving posture the transforming power of the presence of Christ?
Wisdom – Who do you trust to offer wise council?
I’ve discovered my support circle is filled with folks of all ages and backgrounds. Some are my peers, some abit older, and some much younger. Paying attention to our own relational needs as leaders and who can fill those needs is one way to live into God’s design for individual transformation and healthy community.
Jen Binford, Coach
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