Feb 07, 2011 The Present and Active Connector
Originally posted on June 15, 2004
At the risk of sounding like Yogi Berra, let me say that no one ever connected without connecting. In other words, if you are not in the presence of others, you’ll never connect with them in meaningful friendships. This sounds so obvious, and yet I have had people who have not been in church in weeks, even months, tell me they are having a hard time connecting. Regular church attendance, for worship and some form of small group, is a must for overcoming disconnectedness.
Once you are present in church, you then have to be active at church. People who connect first initiate. We cannot enter church with the expectation of being welcomed and of making connection without having to do any of the work. Life doesn’t work that way. There is a guaranteed 100% disappointment rate for people who place the responsibility of connecting on others.
“Meet me half way” doesn’t work either. If everyone only goes half way, we stop short of getting into each other’s world. True connection happens in relationships when we cross the half way line and step into vulnerable territory.
Present and active connectors will be there. Awkwardness, life transitions, and false perceptions will not keep us away.
Present and active connectors will be all there. We will bring our body, our love, our energy, and our service to the gathering of the church.
Present and active connectors will make others glad they are there. Here’s the double benefit of taking responsibility for connecting; you get connected, and you help others connect as well.
Pastor Scott