Well, I've been trying to continue our Sunday afternoon discussion here on the blog, but since only a handful of people showed up this Sunday, I figured there wasn't much reason to try and do that. Instead, I thought I might wait and further discuss what Gary had to say tonight. However, after hearing it, I wonder if it would be best just to leave it where it is. But maybe it would be okay to simply discuss the discussion itself, without going into details or naming names.
Gary is concerned that some people might not come back, which really bothers me because I feel part responsible. Not that certain things didn't need to be said, but it's hard when there's tension. I'm afraid that certain innocent people have gotten caught in the middle and have been hurt. I don't want anyone to leave, but I certainly don't want the innocent ones to.
Why would people be hurt by what was said? Why are people offended rather than affected? Angry instead of thoughtful? What is our responsibility? How do you say what needs to be said with the effectiveness in which it needs to be said without driving people away?
Let's discuss this. Leave comments.
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Wednesday, April 19, 2006
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5 comments:
Hey Greg. I saw your draft. Did you decide not to post after you saw that I had already posted about this? Or did you not post it because I suggested that we just leave the discussion where it is?
Either way, you can post it, either as a new post or as a comment here. You had some interesting points for us to discuss. When I said we should just leave the discussion where it is, I was thinking about the circumstances surrounding it. It's all so complicated. But I think we can go ahead and discuss this.
Yes, God is our friend. But we have to realize that it's an honor. Christ said in private to his disciples, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." Yes, God is our friend, but only if we obey him, which leads us to having a healthy fear of Him. It all comes down to realizing who He is. Fear God - that is: realize He is Lord and make Him Lord of your life. Obey His commands because you recognize that His way is the only way. Do this, and He will call you His friend - not a buddy, but a true friend as Christ was a friend to the disciples.
Well, maybe that's more or less repeating things, but that's what I've got for now.
I think Gary's topic was something we all needed to hear. It sounded harsh, but he was right. Regardless of the situation that inspired him to say what he did, we can all apply what he said. Just pray that everyone is okay. Some people were overheard saying that they didn't want to come back. Like I said, some innocent people have gotten caught up the middle of this and have taken it personally.
I understand what Gary was talking about, and what was said really needed to be heard.
I kind of understand why some might be uncomfortable coming back, but there isn't any logical reason for not coming back.
I mean, you get corrected at school or at work, but you keep going to those places for a reason. It seems like people just choose to not come to Church over minor things or being corrected. It just shouldn't be this way...
Maybe everyone will come back, feelings will probably settle down as the week passes by. Or so I hope. =)
Gary was up until 1:30am Tuesday night writing that lesson. He was very scared about doing it and felt bad after.
I mentioned before how much he cares about you guys. Well, that really goes much deeper than you might realize. The fact is that there is no such thing as a "part-time" youth director. The emotional investment is full-time. I wish I could tell you guys about that investment, but I really shouldn't talk about some of it. But I promise you that his heart is in this youth group.
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