More than a number: Showing up for life

A few months ago, I picked up the latest audiobook from Charles Murray.  This tome was entitled The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead, and despite the fact that I am somewhat older than its intended demographic (newly graduated college students), I still found it informative and entertaining.

One interesting thought broached in the "On the Pursuit of Happiness" portion of the book was Murray's directive to "show up for life."  As I recall, he noted that it is very easy these days to get out of commitments-- to parties, to relationships, to society, or anything really.  But by choosing not to participate in life, you lose out.

More than a number: Emotional and spiritual space for growth

In last week's post, we discussed ways to make physical space for growth in your Life Group or Sunday School class.  This week, I would like to talk about ways to make emotional and spiritual space for growth with your group.

Growth and change can be a funny thing.  If you have a class that has been the same size with the same people for a long time, people can begin to experience what I call the "Goldilocks Effect".

More than a number: Physical space for growth

Like many parents at this time of year, I am finding myself surrounded by too many toys.  Many are the gifts of generous relatives to my son this past Christmas.  Some are baby toys that he has outgrown or broken.  Others are big kid toys that will be useful in the future, but he is not old enough to play with yet or understand.  

As many parents will confirm, when your child has a lot of toys out, he or she doesn't really play with any of them.  Sure, one or two favorites will still get the spotlight (for us, it's Leo the Lion and a wooden train set).  The rest will be veritable litter, strewing the carpet with colorful plastic and cloth. In that setting, each toy is just a number.  That's no fun for the child, the toy, or the parent.  Therefore, January has become my season of pre-spring cleaning, or what my husband lovingly calls "The Purge".

More than a number: Growing your church group

Well, it's January 2015, and while you're still trying to get used to writing a 5 instead of a 4 for the date, you are probably also thinking of goals for the new year.

Many churches use January's new year momentum to set goals for the growth of their church in Sunday School, worship service, Bible Studies, and other events.  Here are some ways to define growth that puts it in perspective with scripture.