Traction
Have you ever attempted a conversation with someone and you could not seem to find traction? The conversation just stays hollow and doesn’t go anywhere, and it becomes awkward and forced. I have been there. And I have been on both sides of the conversation.
Yesterday it hit me. I was attempting to get a spiritual conversation going with some folks who should have had an interest in spiritual things…youth pastors. I kept hitting a wall. I seemed to just sit there and spin out trying to find some traction…nothing. Why? Was it me? Was it them?
I think it depends on the time and place…that’s too broad of a question to generalize situations. Having been a youth pastor I know I’ve been in meetings or events where things are over-spiritualized and you just want to prank somebody to get it out of your system.
I’ve also been places where things were so dumbed down that you felt spiritually hollow.
As a youth pastor I had the same problem you mentioned with the kids I pastored. There were some days when they were bouncing off the walls and couldn’t hear a word I said. My response? If you can’t beat em, join em! I realized that sometimes playing with the kids was more important than trying to force feed a lesson.
Other times they were wide open to spiritual truths…almost hungry for it.
The key is as a communicator to learn to recognize and capitalize on those moments and make the most of them.
Sorry for the long comment! Guess I had more to say about that than I thought!
Brad Ruggles
http://www.bradruggles.com
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I think that Brad is right that there is a time and a place. But, I was thinking about this recently. Have we gotten away from edification? How often do we get together with other believers and not once do we open the word or pray together.
I was able to see a friend I hadn’t seen in almost 2 years yesterday and we Spent the majority of the time talking about the things Gos was doing in and around us. Man, I walked away from that conversation so challenged and encouraged. And I walked away with new opportunities and ideas to dig deeper.
I think on some level, we have forgotten or are not taking advantage of gathering encouraging and challenging as we are together.
More directly related to what you said, finding the times and taking advantage of them is key for church leaders. there is always an opportunity to serve or teach or learn.
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This thought has come out of a recent period of growth for myself and our staff. I’m in a place where God is working fast and hard in my life and in that of my ministry.
All moods aside. I have been in a place where someone is trying to take the conversation to another level and I just kind of nod and him an hah.
Lack of traction often comes from not being on the same level and knowing that you should be and are expected to be. And all you have to offer is BS. Being defensive while trying to hide it…in a very polite away.
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Man I feel like this a lot…
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Yes! I am in those conversations many times and with “church” people. I am constantly reminded much grace is needed just as I have been shown much grace.
Dude, you would be excited about this! Ron Paul is speaking in our convocation service this Friday.
http://www.liberty.edu/libertyjournal/index.cfm?PID=15758&artid=83
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iw – totally…and it’s that accountability that we need. as spiritual leaders we need to prepare our hearts daily to be on another level…it is hard.
James- Ron Paul | viva la revolution!
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