So far, so good on both counts. While purposefully, yet carefully, testing the waters, I'm maintaining most of what's been gone on before and making small, decisive changes. The change thus far is largely coming by way of taking a fairly traditional, yet nice, Wednesday night prayer meeting and using it for a focused time of prayer/care and leadership development/vision casting/"discovering our purpose" time with the core of the church. Two weeks in, and we're all still speaking to each other.
That's divine progress, baby.
I've begun meetings in earnest...casual care visits "just to say 'hi' and get to know you" as well as very intentional, focused "how can you best get in the game?" meetings.
One thing that's jumped out at me is the realization that people are unique. Each and every one. I *know* this, but I've come face to face with it in a bit more of a real way the past couple of weeks. Even in a relatively small group like the one I'm pastoring, no two people are even remotely alike. Different likes and dislikes. Different stories. Different habits. Sizes, shapes and dispositions...all different. I have to be cognizant of that as I begin to do life with these folks individually and collectively. The burden is on me to relate to them in a way that best communicates to them. I've got to be true to me and how I'm wired, and (not "but") I have to work to get to know each one so that I can have the greatest opportunity of really *hearing* them and they can have the greatest opportunity of understanding me.
Takes work.
Takes time.
It will be worth it.
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