Have you thrown in the towel and just felt worn out, tired, and discouraged this spring? You are not alone in this feeling. There are times when each of us needs to S-T-O-P and take a break, and sometimes we need to take a break from something and people we may absolutely love. And do you know what, that is OKAY! It has happened to me before. When inspiration and joy are lacking, we need a break Unfortunately when those we lead get an email telling them it is time for a break or for you the leader, to move on, this can be and will be quite jarring to your group.
It is important that you are kind and encouraging for the group to keep going, and if you have been a great leader, you will have encouraged and equipped the next leader to pass the baton on to.
This transition can be an obstacle, but, hopefully, with prayer, you can do so with confidence that the group will continue and be fed with new leadership.
The second part of this blog is about how you, the new leader, must be willing to continue and where you can find strength and resources to keep the current group strong in their faith and keep learning under your supervision.
How will you do this? Keep your accounts short. Keep encouragement high in telling your group to Never, Stop, Learning, praying, and seeking God’s will for their lives. This is a wonderful opportunity to seek input from your group as to what they might like to change or keep the same. New things bring a freshness to the group and to those you might like to invite who are new to the group.
As the new group leader, you may want to continue the studies that the former leader has already screened for you, to take some of the pressure off the group’s next study choices. You may also want to ask the former leader to give you some guidance over the next few months of your tenure to help you over the rough patches, and there will be rough patches.
Do not be discouraged, because you believe you are not as competent as the former leader – YOU ARE COMPETENT! Take this time to dive deep into prayer and reading God’s word daily for your own strength and inspiration. God is there waiting for you to reach out for His strength and His guidance.
A couple of years ago, I was asked to evaluate a program at our church. I watched the interaction amongst the members of each of the groups I was to evaluate, and how they reacted to new members and to a changing environment when asked to put their learning into practice in each of their life areas. What I noticed is that each person had a different process when the next phrase of learning was presented. Some dropped out and some relished the idea of putting their own spin on the next phase. I found that so inventive and refreshing. The next thing I learned that was not part of my own daily routine was this: Upon waking each morning, simply ask God this: “Lord, what do you want me to do to further your kingdom today?” Do you know what happened? My “to do list” disappeared, and God directed me to what HIS TO DO LIST was, and everything else that I thought was important to me was not important to GOD at all and these simple fell off my radar. Does that sound impossible to you? When you really are serious about listening to GOD, your life will completely change. It will change in every area of your life.
Don’t give up fellowship with your Bible Study Group or attending your worship service, and keep serving in your church and community. Simply ask God for His guiding hand, and he will give you doors of opportunity and light your path.
If you are struggling with the next steps, please reach out. I am here to give support and guidance. Just send me a quick email!
Walking Where He Leads Me,
