Every Monday I sit in McKinney's Coffee Shop in ACC and prepare for Wednesdays. I make sure Powerpoints are ready, notes are scripted to my Droid, and study God's Word as I prepare His message for the week. It is a great time because while the area I am in is busy, I am alone in my world. Face into my laptop, diving into the Bible, and no one knows me here.
Usually around 9, there is a bible study group that comes in, led by students. It is a great microcosm for the church. there are leaders, followers, preachers, teachers, encouragers, wallflowers, etc.
The odd thing is the main leader of the group.... Can't lead. At least not effectively. He is loud, so everyone has to listen, but not actually LEADing them anywhere. His zeal doesn't match his conduct. He is rude to the others, lacking compassion and desiring only to be heard. Psychologically, it seems he is one that allows no questions so no one can find out about him deeper. I love his passion for the ministry, but without the accompanying benevolence, he is just barking....
The problem with this is that while he looks to be burning very bright, and risks burning out. He will struggle with support from his church, lack of leaders in his ministry, and will eventually be on his own. His passion will carry him for a while, make him weak, and then either fall, or quit.
Too many people are turned off by an attitude like this. A leader has to show compassion, a tender loving care, and be sensitive.
As he jokes, people laugh, but as these fellow students mature, his humor will be lost on them. But there is hope.
He is studying, reading the Bible, and teaching it. Hopefully he will listen to what he teaches and studies, and not be so desensitized to the Living Word of God that he has heard all of his life.
He has amazing potential, and people listen when he talks sincerely. The problem, is that he rarely does so.
This group has no real idea i am even observing them. they are pure in their actions. i see future mentors, future leaders, future drop outs. It brings to mind the comment and thought that people are always watching our actions. And we should be diligent to be faithful witnesses to the Christ we serve. Our testimony is being lived everyday. Whether we intend it or not, the way we are seen speaks so much. Our lives speak louder than words
