My favorite thing about Thinking Orange is Leading Small. Leading small helps kids develop authentic faith through community. We want kids’ faith to be real…beyond a decision at camp or VBS or because they want to be like their friends…real, authentic faith will be what they rely on when no one is looking, will sustain them when they step out into the world on their own, and will remind them of their purpose.
When kids think of church they think of the people, their small group. As adults we can forget that we are the church. I read a post (click) here by Curtis Poor that reminded me of the truth that we are to build one another up and then go and make disciples.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV
Part of leading small effectively involves showing up consistently…and not just physically. Mentally showing up with my small group means I am excited to see my few (my tribe) and they know that I am by how I listen and look at them when they talk, ask them questions, sing and dance with them and share stories about my life…sometimes as it relates to a lesson and sometimes just because!
“so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV
As a parent, I have the opportunity to lead small in my home too! Honestly, for me this is harder. When I lead a small group at church, I know that is what I am devoting my time to for those hours. When I am at home, I have to remind myself that it is OK if Mt. St. Laundry grows taller or the floors wait another day. To help relieve myself from the guilt of not checking off things on my to do list and to show up consistently I have made an unwritten rule: When the kids’ friends are at the house I am all theirs (as long as they’ll have me!). They are my box to check! Mentally showing up means if they want me to join a board game, play basketball in the pool, or have a Nerf gun fight while playing capture the flag (flag football style!) I am IN! That also means if they want to talk I am all ears first, then I rely on God to give me the wisdom to speak truth and honor their parents.
Spending time being present with my kids and their friends is such a blessing and an honor! My prayer for them is that through sharing the gift of hospitality, leading small and discipling them in the fruits of fellowship and community that they will experience growth towards authentic faith and be encouraged in their purpose to go and make disciples.
How are you Leading Small today?
michelemariekotasek 