“Committed: Time – The Gift of Encouragement”
Ps Jeanna White
Romans 1:11+12
“ For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Just the other day I was talking to someone on my team and was reminded of a season in ministry when I was feeling overwhelmed with everything on my plate. I was wrestling with some big decisions about how to best lead our Clubhouse team. I needed a plan! I needed to slow down and get some help. I took a leap of faith and emailed someone I heard speak at a conference to get advice. This amazing leader who HAD TO BE incredibly busy responded within 15 minutes and said YES! She said I would love to help. When do you have time? I will never forget how that made me feel and how generous she was to me, with her time and words. I knew I wanted to be a leader like that!
As leaders we are busy! We have so much to manage and have so many thoughts running through our minds as we prepare to lead. We’re pondering our goals for ministry that day, our hopes, the tension we have to deal with, and sometimes, did I leave my curling iron plugged in when I ran out of the house?!
In our busyness, we have to be committed to encouragement. One of the most important things you can do as a leader is being committed to the giving of your time. That sounds crazy after talking about how busy we are, but according to Romans 1:11+12, when we are committed to the giving of our gifts generously we too receive encouragement.
My tips:
You need margin. What does that look like for me? Heading into the weekend, I plan and prepare well, so I have the margin to love people.
I always take a few moments in the car to ask God to help me slow down and notice who needs my time. Note! When I say ‘time’ it can be less than 5 minutes.
I think ‘Who never asks for my time?’ The bigger personalities on our teams naturally get more of our time. So instead, seek out the quiet, faithful leaders. When I started doing this – I realized I had leadership gold on my team no one had discovered.
Make a plan to follow up. This helps them know it’s not just a hallway moment (I am in the Clubhouse hallways a lot!) but care enough to circle back on your conversation.
Be led by the Spirit.
Discussion:
- How has someone taken time to encourage you lately?
- What are good questions to ask when checking in with a leader? Preparing great questions can save time and help get to the heart of the matter.
- Where can you create margin to hear from God about who & how to prioritize your time with Him & Others?
Weekly Challenge:
Decide right now who you haven’t connected with, but should.
Turn your car ride into a quiet time with God so you can be ready for people with a full spirit and a clear mind.