Clarksville, TN - Grace Community Church

Did you ever give your school teacher a gift at Christmas?  Or if you went to Sunday School, as a child, did you always make sure to bring your teacher a gift to say, “Thank you for what you’ve done!”?

I did.  In fact, I did for both of them.  Every single year.  I was so grateful for the investment that they had made in me that I felt compelled (using mom and dad’s money) to show my appreciation by giving a gift.

We don’t have Sunday School at Grace.  Instead, the answer to our need for meaningful relationships that help us become more faithful disciples is small groups.  Small groups last anywhere from 12-18 months.  But I’m not a rule-follower, so my last group lasted 23 months. 

Traditionally, I would have been showered with gifts, since our group (which lasted longer than normal) was ending around Christmas time.  But, you know what?  I didn’t get one gift that said, “Thank you so much, Pastor Ben, for the great investment you made in my life.  Thank you for all of your sacrifice.  And heroism.  And valor.  And awesomeness.”  (all of that was said in a sarcastic, overly-dramatic tone … go ahead and read it again with that in mind).  I got one gift, that I stole, mind you, in a gift-exchange game we played called “Dirty Santa.”  Don’t ask.  I got another gift that a couple in the group gave to everybody – a book of recipes that our group had made over the last two years.  It was a great gift!  But not to me individually. 

But you know what?  I’m unbelievably happy that I didn’t get a gift.  Why? 

Because that means that my entire group was doing ministry.  The work of caring for people, helping them grow, building a relationship with them, speaking truth into their hearts, navigating through difficult issues, praying for them and with them, thinking through difficult spiritual issues, and generally “shepherding” the group members didn’t fall completely on my shoulders.  I was the point person, the main group facilitator.  I helped the group stay focused.  At times, my wife and I hosted the group at our house.  Brought the food.  Brought the game.  Led the discussion.  But not every time.  We shared that responsibility.  And in sharing that responsibility, we shared the joys that are experienced when you serve somebody else.  And bring hope to a person.  And help another person grow. 

My 3rd grade teacher got a gift from me because everything that year rested on her shoulders.  She was the one in whom all of the information lied.  She gave out the grades.  Dished out the discipline. Wrote the curriculum.  Made sure we finished the curriculum.  Followed up with my parents.  Followed up with the principal.  With the school board.  And the thousand other things that teachers do.

But small group leaders share the load.

I didn’t get a gift for being a group leader.  And I hope I never do.