Words, Eyes, Pain and Deeper Connections

This past week I spent a couple days in training sessions to be equipped as a coach for future church plant teams. The material was good. Mel Ming presented some really good stuff on developing good questions to help teams work through the developmental process. Mel is one of those guys who has incredible material but so much of the dynamic take-aways are in his side comments.

I found the training helpful, but I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to invest in relationships as well as develop new relationships.

There was one a guy there named Dan, who I had met before but really didn't know that well. He works with a friend of mine out at New Life in Silverdale. At dinner on Thursday night we sat next each other and were able to get some back-story, which would lay the groundwork for good conversation.

The Friday night speaker ended his time with an opportunity to pray. Dan and I were standing in the back and he approached me to ask if there was anything specific in my life he could be praying for. There was nothing odd about the question or the timing or the situation. But there was something odd in his words and in his eyes. There was an honesty and sincerity which sadly is uncommon in many of those situations. So many times people with the best of intentions ask the same question with truly no real interest or concern. Funny thing, we never paused to pray right there, but I know he prays for me. I actually value that. Anyway, his straight forward words and honest eyes opened up a window into some of the pain that I go through as the pastor of a new church plant. I felt very comfortable to share with him some of my struggles.

As a result of this brief time together I sense a deeper connection. Dan is a guy that is now on my short list of people I would call in a time of need or celebration.

Maybe more of us should be so courageous as to ask good questions, allow Jesus into our hearts in such a way that he can be seen in our eyes, give others the opportunity to download some of their pain and truly foster deeper connections.

Dan, if you read this... THANKS!

This week I have mind space and freedom that I did not have last week. Aaron Welk and I agree, you are a rare guy.