Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Connecting

Connecting creates the option to be and to achieve in ways that are impossible for the individual who chooses to go it alone. For believers, the connection to the Head, that is Christ, is at the very core of who we are. However, the journey of life is not complete with Jesus; other members of the body are of critical concern. Jesus has chosen to connect us to one another, not just himself. In American culture, our emphasis easily becomes so focused on the individual that we loose the importance of the relationships we need with each other.

The C3 Leadership Network provides a structure in the PennDel Ministry Network (AG district) for leaders to connect with one another through natural relationships developed in the course of life and ministry. The C3 stands for Catalyst Groups, Coaching Groups, and Connect Groups. In addition, our 12 geographic sections provide significant opportunities for relationship building as well and often function as small groups.

Why are we stressing the importance of relationships? Because Jesus has not built us to be loners. We are not healthy, growing followers of Christ if we remove ourselves from relationships (fellowship) that can provide support, understanding, challenge, accountability, and partnership. One size does not fit all. The multiple options creates a variety of possible ways to connect. On the one hand, it is challenging to describe what goes on at each of the C3 group meetings because they are so different. On the other hand, the variety and flexibility provides a wide range of interests and needs to be met.

C3 is not a program. It is the structure we believe the Lord has given us to create a new culture in the kingdom of God to become a movement that is directed by the Holy Spirit through the spiritual gifts that are resident in the people of God. We need each other and the strengths each one has been given by our Lord.

Get connected! You will be glad you did. It could save your ministry.

2 comments:

Rob Gillen said...

It's funny how a balanced leader has so many different "kinds" of relationships. Mentors and coaches, teammates and colleagues, proteges and disciples-a great leader who can't connect relationally isn't learning, leading, or connecting to make a difference.

Stephen Tourville said...

Hi Rob,
I agree with you. Someone correctly stated that we will become like the people we spend time with and the books (in the digital age the definition of books changes) we read. We need each other.