When we began meeting as elders we made what I would call a "little-Big decision": our meetings would include table fellowship (meals) and an annual retreat. Why was this so significant?
While we may not often reflect upon or articulate the relational importance of meals, it's something we know from experience. Over the table we share, laugh, listen, learn and most importantly build love and trust. Over the past 15 years God has proven the value of this over and over.
Retreats include the above and in addition offer the precious, hard-to-come-by, gift of TIME. I once heard it said, how does a child spell love? T.I.M.E.. I don't think big kids (adults) are much different.
On retreat we have the opportunity to slow down and enter into the love of our Savior; renewing our personal love for Christ, love for his Word, love for his Kingdom, love for his people. On our elder retreats we start each full day with 90 minutes of alone time with God. We hear from each brother, lay hands and pray for him. We have extended learning modules and discussion. We dream and vision cast. We share meals, play together, do a work project, and sit around the fire talking about everything from our marriages to headlines to sabbath practice. But, most importantly we develop respect, love and trust. It not only pleases the Lord when 'brothers dwell together in unity' but also fills the relational bank account with capital for those times when bonds get stretched and strained through ministry challenges and differences of opinion. We are much less prone to judge one another's motives, presume agendas and get impatient. This well-working of relationships yields well-working in the church, and, ultimately the advancement in the Kingdom. So, you see why this "little" decision years ago, was actually very "big".
Thank you for your prayers and support of our elders.
Glenn