How Do I Build Others?
Building Ordinary Faith is about building people. It sounds simple. But, if you consider your past church experience, there has often been a lot that did not build you. Maybe, there was a lot of tearing down. So let’s begin with the negative. What tears you down?
Doesn’t the judgment of others deconstruct you and your faith? Aren’t you “weakened” when people decide they know your story, and pass quick judgments about you and your future. Veiled criticisms, empty platitudes, and the inability to connect with others weaken us too. So, don’t do that.
Building others means knowing them. It means giving them time, your time. Building others is presence. And, it is remaining present with someone until…
We connect. When we connect with each other we build each other. As we find words and stories we value each other and give meaning. Our words are no longer empty, they are filled with something.
1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT) But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.
So very true.
I have had not so great experiences at other churches along the way in my life. Because of them, I will say truthfully that the people at Ordinary Faith are very loving people! AND….no one cares at all when names are forgotten because it seems that everyone forgets names and sometimes faces. Very, very accepting people!! SMILES!!!
I agree! 😊