Ev and I have begun a new class at church, and it confirms what I’ve thought a long time: church leaders need special care as they minister to others so that they can share their Christ walk with others as Gospel Coaches. We need to be reminded as leaders that we need the reinforcement of others, the assurances that when things are going well, there is mutual encouragement, and when things need improvement, a Christian brother or sister is available to coach from experience, to pray with each other, and to lovingly suggest alternative strategies.
What a blessing to break into small groups to discuss some of the concerns each of us has had but has been unable or unwilling to express to others. In the sweet fellowship of other leaders, it is delightful to express the insecurities and questions we all have but have kept to ourselves, often feeling inadequate or average rather than strong and enthusiastic about the leadership role we’ve undertaken.
I’m thankful for this message our church is providing for its leadership and pray for the successful attitudes it will promote.
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.