Sunday’s message really resonated with me. Even during the service (don’t tell Pastor Jason I was distracted), I got to thinking about all the joys in my life that would be missed if I wasn’t connected in some very wonderful ways to a wide group of folks at church.
Some in my tribe are dear friends. We have known each other for years. Others are new pals, we just started to share insights with each other. Some are real young (they could be my grandkids). Others are couples who have grandkids of their own. Some are guys, others girls.
Some I have gotten to know as we served together on a VBS staff, or through women’s ministry or while subbing in a children’s class. Others have become friends because we sit near each other every Sunday. Those 3 minutes really do help you connect.
The key to connectivity is that “real and right” stuff. These friendships need to be authentic, growing and yet always rooted in Biblical truth. Consider a few ways my tribe stays connected.
One friend I text when certain basketball teams are playing. Another one stops and picks up dinner on her way over to my house (it’s the “one buys/ one flies” method). We love catching up before we play some cards (can I confess that I usually win?).
I hugged a friend this last Sunday and we laughed again about me sneaking into her back yard one morning a few months ago. She was going through some medical stuff, and I just stood in the yard holding up a cardboard sign that read “Will pray for coffee…” I got the coffee and we prayed.
Hanging out after service works. Recently one couple met me for lunch after church and now I know a lot more about their family. I can pray much more intelligently now.
One of my pals routinely corners me and asks probing questions so she can pray for me more specifically. She won’t let me gloss over stuff. (And I am grateful for her care.)
This week, on my way to my car, I waved at some friends over on the other side of the lobby. We are trying to get a date so we can schedule another game night. My neighborhood sure can hear the laughter when we get together!
Each of these friends contributes to my life. They genuinely care. They are available to me. When they say they will pray, they will. If I needed something they would come running with the help. They are committed and engaged.
And I need to be available. I need to reach out and share some details on my life. I need to listen and learn. So together, we can grow, mature and glorify God. My life with the Lord is not just about me and Him. It includes all these wonderful folks in my tribe.
Make sure you have one!
Some in my tribe are dear friends. We have known each other for years. Others are new pals, we just started to share insights with each other. Some are real young (they could be my grandkids). Others are couples who have grandkids of their own. Some are guys, others girls.
Some I have gotten to know as we served together on a VBS staff, or through women’s ministry or while subbing in a children’s class. Others have become friends because we sit near each other every Sunday. Those 3 minutes really do help you connect.
The key to connectivity is that “real and right” stuff. These friendships need to be authentic, growing and yet always rooted in Biblical truth. Consider a few ways my tribe stays connected.
One friend I text when certain basketball teams are playing. Another one stops and picks up dinner on her way over to my house (it’s the “one buys/ one flies” method). We love catching up before we play some cards (can I confess that I usually win?).
I hugged a friend this last Sunday and we laughed again about me sneaking into her back yard one morning a few months ago. She was going through some medical stuff, and I just stood in the yard holding up a cardboard sign that read “Will pray for coffee…” I got the coffee and we prayed.
Hanging out after service works. Recently one couple met me for lunch after church and now I know a lot more about their family. I can pray much more intelligently now.
One of my pals routinely corners me and asks probing questions so she can pray for me more specifically. She won’t let me gloss over stuff. (And I am grateful for her care.)
This week, on my way to my car, I waved at some friends over on the other side of the lobby. We are trying to get a date so we can schedule another game night. My neighborhood sure can hear the laughter when we get together!
Each of these friends contributes to my life. They genuinely care. They are available to me. When they say they will pray, they will. If I needed something they would come running with the help. They are committed and engaged.
And I need to be available. I need to reach out and share some details on my life. I need to listen and learn. So together, we can grow, mature and glorify God. My life with the Lord is not just about me and Him. It includes all these wonderful folks in my tribe.
Make sure you have one!
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.