What Comes Next?

((OOPS – did not push post – this is was for 4.26.  Thanks))

Today was a weird day. I started second job. That wasn’t what was weird. It was getting the shirt, hat, and rest of outfit. Then after putting them on, I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed. I looked like a 55 year old teenager starting his first job. The job itself is not the issue. I love helping others, I am a very natural servant (I seem to be Calvin’s personal servant acting at most every whim), and I relate well with people for all walks of life. I am part of the hospitality team, and that is a very Biblical principle we all should practice more of. And I do not have to hug anyone, so that is a positive note.

The founder set a tremendous philosophy and company motto. “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact” with the company. This international company has a philosophy that most companies would flee from, or even attack.

Now, let me give a lesson I learned just from day one. They have an excellent pattern to integrate someone in to the company culture, to connect each employee to a deeper level within the team. And let me connect this to how a church can learn from it.

The church needs to invest in helping everyone connect to the family, connect to service, and connect to a small/cell group where they can walk along together on their journey. They have a person that is responsible for the process of connection – like a connections pastor or next step minister. This person invests in knowing each step, each area of service, and how each person can fit within the institution. The process includes getting to know each person’s story, sharing the vision, and than teaching basic principles and methods. It also includes introducing the new guy to everyone possible. Building relationships is key – bonding with others aids in the process.

• Have  a process in place
• Have a main contact person
• Be intentional
• Be visible
• It’s about relationships – not numbers
• This is just the first of many steps to deeper relationships – an entry point

There is discipleship, accountability, and sharpening one’s skills to be the best they can be. There is teamwork and sharing the load. There is feedback and watching out for each other.

In just one day there is a process and a plan to connect each person to the next steps in their journey. If a church would just put into place the priority of connecting people, then I believe they would be a stronger church family.

I realize this is a basic blog. but it does teach us to look everywhere to glean ways for each of us to be better at what God desires.

Tomorrow – A follow up to the NFL Draft: Day One.