Service-oriented community members who prioritise respectful relationships, interdependence and growth of others over individual agenda
Questions to consider
In all of the Wellbeing Guides these same 5 questions are applied to the Characteristic being highlighted. They are an invitation to reflect on the Characteristic and to consider for yourself why it is important.
Why does being a service-oriented community member matter?
What impact do service-oriented community members have?
What does this mean for you in practice?
How you might be able to grow in being a service-oriented community member?
If you are in leadership, how are you encouraging others to grow in being service-oriented community members?
If you would like to be reminded of all the Characteristics in the Wycliffe Profile, go to the following page:
Wells were important in the Bible. In a dry land, the water they provided was life-sustaining. Not only that, they were central to community life, where people made covenants (Abraham and Abimelech – Gen. 21:25-30), met (Jacob and Rachel – Gen. 29:1-12) and even sang of God’s righteous acts (Jdg. 5:11). As you look at this picture of a well, take some time to consider what God might be saying to you through the imagery it presents.
As you do this, remember, you can’t pour from an empty bucket, so as you ponder the service you give and your participation in your community/ies, may you be increasingly open to serving out of the depths of God’s provision for you.
In the Wellbeing Guides you will find paragraphs (like the one in the green box below) that express what the particular Characteristic being highlighted might look like using active verbs such as: ‘I am maintaining’, ‘I am seeking to grow…’. These paragraphs try to capture aspects of what each Characteristic is about as holistically as possible.
In terms of spiritual foundations, the same paragraph is used in each Guide, but is applied each time through the lens of the Characteristic in focus. Hence, very different questions arise from exploring the idea of, for example, ‘extending grace to others’ as Adaptable Communicators and as Innovative Investigators.
I am maintaining and deepening my spiritual walk, seeking to grow more like Christ through God’s grace. I am extending that grace to others, whole-heartedly participating in community life and demonstrating the fruit of the spirit. I am seeking to grow in understanding and engagement with the leading of the Holy Spirit, through prayer, study and reflection with others.
We have a lot of adjectives in English connected to the heart: cold-hearted, half-hearted, warm-hearted, faint-hearted, soft-hearted…to name a few. Whole-hearted speaks to the entirety of who you are and draws you into ideas of commitment, enthusiasm and freedom from hesitation. You’re in! The paragraph above suggests that ‘whole-hearted participation in community life’ is important, something which the well imagery we have looked at certainly validates. The idea of ‘whole-hearted participation’ can be challenging and you may find yourself tempted, depending on your personality, to pull away from, or alternatively, over-commit to service in community contexts. As you reflect on your participation in community life throughout this Guide, take some time to consider what Jesus might say to you about your ‘heart’ if you were ‘sitting at the well’ with him.
YOU AND SITTING AT THE WELL
“A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, “rivers of living water” will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even “to the end of the earth” regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be.”
Oswald Chambers
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. “
Rev. 21.6
Where are the ‘wells’ in your community/ies?
How ‘whole-hearted’ is your service in the community/ies God has placed you in? Do you find yourself pulling away from them, or over-committing and burning out?
How ready are you to offer your service to others and accept theirs in return? How proactive are you about it? And what holds you back?
Reflect on your spiritual journey. Have there been times when you’ve felt a connection with God akin to a “fountain of living water”? How can you strengthen and maintain that connection? Do you need to create more space to allow this to happen?
YOU AND DIGGING YOUR OWN WELLS
“For my people have done two evil things: they have abandoned me – the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!“
Jer. 2.13
“If you dig a hole and it’s in the wrong place, digging it deeper isn’t going to help.”
Seymour Chwast
In what ways do you find yourself drawing from your own resources rather than God’s? What would help you to rely on him more?
Consider your current activities, goals or projects. Are there any areas where you might be tempted to “dig deeper” when it’s clear that a different approach or even location is needed?
If you find yourself identifying areas where you are digging in the wrong place, what can you do to address this?
GOING DEEPER
Here we highlight ideas and resources, which you are of course free to explore or not. We have tried to come up with different ways to engage with the topics, suggesting activities, books, blogs, videos….that may interest you. We also encourage you to browse our Library of Resources and/or talk to others, including your Pastor or Spiritual Director or mentor, if you have one, for some recommendations.
As mission partners you have several communities in which you participate. In the widest context you have been reflecting on where people might meet in your community. What places did you identify? Are there similar places in your work community? If it is not something you have noticed or thought about take some time this week to find out. Here are a few ideas to help with that:
Go for a walk around your community and find the cafes/pubs that are open during the day.
If you like music or sport, art or photography…and have not joined a club, consider doing so.
Look at community social media pages (if they exist where you are) and get an idea of the kind of topics that interest people locally.
DIY SOS is a programme that has been going on TV for years. It is relatively easy to watch on i-player, or some episodes on youtube. It’s message has consistently been, “it’s not just us that can make this happen – why don’t you have a go?” This message is deeply challenging to church communities. As mission partners we often use our working as “full-time Christians” to avoid serving in our local church, which is a loss to you and to the church. Take some time to ask yourself how you can use your skills to serve:
Are there ways you can help others who struggle with practical matters? For example, DIY, gardening, money-management, speaking English…the list is endless.
Consider volunteering at local community hubs/services/charity shops for a couple of hours a week.
Ask God to help you see ways that you could serve the church by mobilising your community to help others by, for example:
Setting up English classes.
Arranging for your home-group to help others inside or outside the group decorate, clean, sort…
Look at setting up a skill-share hub in your local church (or finding someone who could set it up), where various people can offer a couple of hours to help people problem-solve issues.
In the human body pain, or sometimes lack of it, is one of the mechanisms that tell us something is not right. Similarly, in community life, if there is discord, exhaustion or disconnect, these can indicate that something might need your attention. Do not ignore this awareness – instead, pay attention to what it may be saying. Are you maintaining a healthy balance? In their book Essentials for People Care and Development, Geoff Whiteman and Heather Pubols write, “The mission field attracts service-oriented and driven people who may struggle to say no and set appropriate boundaries.” Does this describe you? If so:
Take some time to process what is ‘driving’ you in the section below, following up on ideas to help you process where you are sitting and where you are digging. These are issues to discuss with your line manager and PCC. If you continue to ignore this, it could lead towards unhealthy levels of stress and even into burnout.
To read more about this, try A Resilient Lifeby Gordon MacDonald or Henry Cloud and John Townsend’s book Boundaries.
Recognising where you are sitting and where you are digging
The People of Integrity Guidehas a huge emphasis on work/life balance. Being service-oriented is no a free pass into work. As you process what you have noticed about yourself as a service-oriented person, take some time to explore the ideas in that Guide. If you are unsure about whether you have a healthy balance ask those around you, (spouse, children, colleagues, close friends…) what they think. Here are a few questions you could try:
How well do you think I prioritise my work and home life, managing my time to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Do you think I set good boundaries between work and personal life?
How do you perceive my stress levels, and do you think they impact my work/life balance?
How comfortable do you feel discussing concerns or challenges related to work/life balance with me?
Sometimes we can use personality preferences to hold back from whole-heartedly participating in things that are happening. Take some time to sit at the ‘well’ and ask Jesus what he might like you to start, or stop, doing.
Here is a worksheet you can look through that might help you reflect on your personality preferences as they relate to introversion and extroversion, connecting this with how much time you get to be alone, or with others in your daily life.
Consider going on a retreat with a specific focus on any of the issues this Guide has raised for you. Alternatively, think about talking to your PCC or connecting with a spiritual director to explore the different ways you can find refreshment at the well (see People to Talk to tab for ideas on how to do this).
To help you understand where you are digging, consider using the following worksheets to help you review your priorities and how you manage your time:
If you would like a broader picture of what you are doing, try this Wheel of Life which is another way of identifying where there might be an imbalance.
Try this worksheet on Priorities at Work and concentrate on steps 4 and 5, to identify where you are spending your time.
Sometimes you can spend a long time persevering and not seeing a great deal of impact. This can be very discouraging. There can be a number of different reasons for this, not least that the nature of our work means that impact is likely to be revealed over a long period of time. What we do know however is that God does see and will meet with you to “encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Th.2.17).
To keep this in mind, would some kind of physical prompt help? Try creating a background for your computer that visually reminds you of God’s faithfulness or write out the verse from Thessalonians and stick it on your wall.
Inside Wycliffe
All of our Guides have sections, including this one, where different aspects of how we relate to God are explored. The People of Integrity Guide has some specific ideas for making space for God, whilst many of the other Guides cover issues of, for example, identity, trust, perseverance and security. Chat to your PCC or contact Rhiannon Gibson if you would like to explore some of these some more.
If you would be interested in Spiritual Direction from within Wycliffe contact Eric Graham.
Outside Wycliffe
Your Pastor
Spiritual Director – you can ask your parish priest, if you are in the UK, for the name of a spiritual director, or you can click here and you will be taken to a London based page that lists spiritual directors from around the country. If you are with SIL contact Roslyn Manson for ideas about this.
Friends God has placed in your life to whom you can be accountable, whether individual, or small group, it is important to have people like this to go to and share openly and honestly from the heart.
Le Rucher, Cessy, France – offering personal and family debriefing
Service-oriented Community Members and…Relating to Partners
Most of us find ourselves in more than one community. When it comes to our partners, there are at least two: the community/ies that supports us in our ministry and our community/ies of service. Take some time here to consider the relationships you are building and your contribution to their needs and goals, as well as their contribution to yours.
I take responsibility for my part in building relationships outside of my own immediate context, in order to achieve my work goals. I treat individual and organisation partners fairly and ethically, honouring their perspectives and needs, communicating openly and building trust.
Our job as mission partners is founded on interdependence and respect. We have a responsibility to foster the connections God has given us, to be open and transparent about what is happening in our lives and ministries, and to build trust with both the individuals and church communities that support us. Take the opportunity to reflect on how this is going for you in your support community, your community of service and any other community you are involved that are impacted by the issues raised here.
YOU AND YOUR SUPPORT COMMUNITY
“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.”
Albert Einstein
“Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
Rom.12.4-5
What might interdependence look like for you and the individuals/groups who support you?
It is important, but sometimes difficult, to be honest with your partners about your work and you can sometimes find yourself glossing over the challenges you meet in your day-to-day lives. Which topics or areas of life do you struggle to communicate honestly about? Which do you find easier? Are there certain people or groups with whom you find open conversation easier?
Reflect on the communication patterns which exist between you and the people who support you. Consider issues such as openness, regularity, reciprocity, mode and method. Are there some topics you need to spend more time on (or less)?
YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY OF SERVICE
“Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful – Christian community is the final apologetic.”
Francis Schaeffer
“Missionaries could more effectively minister the gospel of Christ if they did not think they were superior to us.”
Elmer was interested in learning how people who come into the community intending to serve are actually perceived by the community. The above quote came from a community leader. In what ways could you try to become more aware of the community you serve’s perception of your/your organisation’s ministry?
Transformative relationships go in both directions. Can you think of ways that you have been changed, challenged, supported and loved by the community you are serving? How have you communicated this to them?
Individuals and cultures perceive and express love in different ways. How could you better tailor your ministry to speak to the community you serve in ways they need and appreciate rather than in ways you think is best for them?
GOING DEEPER
Here we highlight ideas and resources, which you are of course free to explore or not. We have tried to come up with different ways to engage with the topics, suggesting activities, books, blogs, videos….that may interest you. We also encourage you to browse our Library of Resources and/or talk to others, including your Pastor or Spiritual Director or mentor, if you have one, for some recommendations.
Relating to your Support Community is also called Partnership Development, and it is not just about financial support, although this is, of course important. There are some ideas and links regarding finances in the People of Integrity Guide, under the Finances section. In this Guide however, the focus is very much on the relationships you have with those who support you. As you reflect on those who pray for you and give to you, consider the following:
How can you bless them in return? Here are a few ideas:
Pray for them on a regular basis – have some kind of visual reminder to help with this such as a poster with their photos on, a bowl with pebbles in and their names written on, a list to cycle round and pray for them regularly.
Communicate your interest – send them a thank you note, but also call them to ask about their needs and how you can pray for them.
Offer to help them in some concrete way – if you have a skill or an ability that might help them, offer it without waiting to be asked.
When a church has been supporting you over a long period, consider gathering all the information about that support together – pictures of you when you first went overseas, pictures of people in the church, the prayers offered and answered, the total financial gifts…and next time you speak there let them see it. This is of course possible to do with individuals as well. The idea here is to appreciate your supporters and take in their generosity to you not just right now, but over the whole time they have been supporting you.
Your community of service
How others perceive you and the ministry in which you are engaged is often difficult to know, but is important to pay attention to. Take some time to explore the ideas proposed by the Johari Window – a way to examine the communication that is known by you, that is shared with others, or not shared by you or with others.
Read this article The Johari Window by Funda Koca Gülbay (edited by Rhiannon Gibson) to understand the Johari Window a bit better.
Take some time to explore these ideas by reflecting on the questions in this worksheet: Johari Window Worksheet.
Spiritual Director – you can ask your parish priest for the name of a spiritual director, or you can click here and you will be taken to a London based page that lists spiritual directors from around the country
Stewardship’s Support Raising Training – this site has links to training tailored for those who are needing to raise more support. Their courses take place all year round.
Service-oriented Community Members and… Responsibility
As Service-oriented Community Members it is important to take time to consider your responsibility to others and to the world around us. The following paragraph will be used to explore these ideas.
I take responsibility for my part in working and living in a community that promotes mutual care and connection towards individuals, my community and the world around me, including the environment. I actively seek to build capacity in others, and to maintain a balance in the way my work choices impact those around me and the environment in which I live and work.
In the paragraph above there are some important ideas around themes of responsibility and care. You have a responsibility to support and care for your community/ies and the world around you. This includes actively seeking to build capacity in others through a commitment to empowering and helping them grow. It also involves maintaining a global outlook, acknowledging the interdependence of all individuals and ecosystems, and making choices that promote sustainability, benefiting not only your personal ministry but also the global community at large.
YOU AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BUILD CAPACITY IN OTHERS
“Our capacity to impact the world is directly proportional to our ability to build capacity in others. It’s a cycle of growth that is deeply rooted in Christian service.”
Bill Hybels
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Th.5.11
Consider Bill Hybel’s quote. Are there specific experiences or instances in your life where you’ve seen the truth of this principle in action?
How are you currently working to build capacity in others, whether through mentorship, service, or encouragement?
What kinds of challenges have you faced in the past in your efforts to encourage and build others up? What did you learn from these and what could you do to deal with them differently in the future?
In what ways have you witnessed or been part of your Christian community modelling mutual encouragement and support? How has this strengthened your faith and service?
YOU AND AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
“The Bible teaches us that all of creation sings the glory of God. When we care for the environment, we are joining in that chorus of praise.”
N.T.Wright
“It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”
Rev.11.18b
Do you view caring for the environment as an act of worship and reverence for God’s creation? In what ways do you incorporate environmental care into your spiritual practices?
Do you believe that as a Christian, you have a responsibility to be a steward of God’s creation and care for the environment? How do your beliefs on this subject influence your actions?
Take some time to examine the impact of your lifestyle choices on the environment and the communities around you. How you can make choices that further God’s creative work rather than contributing towards destruction?
GOING DEEPER
Here we highlight ideas and resources, which you are of course free to explore or not. We have tried to come up with different ways to engage with the topics, suggesting activities, books, blogs, videos….that may interest you. We also encourage you to browse our Library of Resources and/or talk to others, including your Pastor or Spiritual Director or mentor, if you have one, for some recommendations.
Number 6 of Wycliffe’s Values is We serve sacrificially: We’re not afraid to go last. It’s not about us. We equip others to reach their vision. This value encompasses building capacity in others and having the vision to keep that in focus. Where possible the idea is for you to equip someone from within your service community so they are able to be less reliant on outsiders and can take the work forward themselves. To that end consider the following ideas:
Pray about and be on the lookout for who you might be able to train as a successor. Remember the David principle and be prepared to think outside the box.
Reflect on your own skill set for building capacity in others. Would you benefit from training in coaching and/or mentoring? If so look at the Courses to Consider tab above.
Take some to think through your project’s resilience. If you were suddenly rendered unable to work, would your work immediately collapse or is there sufficient capacity in your team/s to ensure the work can continue. If you are uncertain about this it might be helpful to discuss with your line manager and/or immediate colleagues how to mitigate this.
If you are a line manager, how intentional are you about this important aspect of your role?
When you are engaged in quarterly and annual reviews with those you manage, in what ways are you helping to support their personal and professional development?
Creation Care
As you think through your approach to the challenge of climate change and care for the environment, mindfulness is a key principle. In a cross-cultural role your work may require you to undertake a significant amount of travel. Money and a concern to maintain close relationships can be reasons why we choose not to travel. However, many people are now considering environmental impact as a factor as well. Every individual’s response to this will differ depending on the specific demands of their role/s. The key element is to be mindful in the choices you make so that you take personal responsibility for your actions, and can explain to others why your travel is important.
If you would like to read something about this, start with Ruth Valerio’s L is for Lifestyle: In this A-Z, Ruth highlights the main threats to people and our planet, God’s beloved creation. She shows us how, by making small but significant changes to our lifestyle, we can learn the secret of a life that is both fair and simple.
If you are looking for what you can do without reading a book beforehand, there is a list in the dropbox below, which may or may not be suitable to your context. Just starting with a couple of things, if this is not something you have thought much about, is probably the best way to look at this. Have a look and see if there are any there you could add into your life.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimise waste by reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling materials like paper, plastic, and glass.
Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Water Conservation: Fix leaks, install water-saving fixtures, and be mindful of water use in daily activities, like shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
Sustainable Transportation: Opt for public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk when possible. Consider investing in a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle.
Support Renewable Energy: Consider using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for your home.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Avoid single-use plastic items like bags, straws, and disposable utensils. Use reusable alternatives.
Buy Locally and Seasonally: Support local and sustainable agriculture by purchasing food and products that are in-season and produced nearby.
Minimise Food Waste: Plan meals, store food properly, and compost food scraps to reduce food waste.
Eco-friendly Products: Choose products with minimal packaging and environmentally friendly materials. Look for products with third-party certifications like Energy Star or Fair Trade.
Plant Trees and Gardens: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, while gardens attract pollinators. Planting greenery contributes to a healthier environment.
Participate in Cleanups: Join or organize community cleanups to remove litter and pollution from local parks, beaches, and streets.
Support Sustainable Practices: Choose businesses and brands that prioritize sustainability and environmentally responsible practices.
Mindful Water Usage: Capture rainwater for outdoor use, and use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
Reduce Meat Consumption: Consider reducing meat consumption or adopting a more plant-based diet, as livestock farming contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Advocate for Change: Engage with local and national policymakers to advocate for policies that promote environmental protection and sustainability.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about environmental issues and share knowledge with your community to inspire action.
Reduce Carbon Footprint: Consider your carbon footprint and explore ways to offset it through initiatives like tree planting or supporting carbon offset projects.
Limit Air Travel: When possible, reduce air travel, which has a significant carbon footprint. Choose alternative transportation methods or plan fewer but longer trips.
Volunteer for Environmental Organizations: Contribute your time and skills to environmental groups and organizations working to protect the environment.
Set an Example: Lead by example and inspire others in your community to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Spiritual Director – you can ask your parish priest for the name of a spiritual director, or you can click here and you will be taken to a London based page that lists spiritual directors from around the country
If you are with SIL or a partner organisation they may have access to internal courses that can support you with coaching and mentoring. In any case talk to your line manager about the options available to you.
Coaching
There are many courses that offer training in coaching and mentoring. These are best tailored to your individual situation. Talk to your line manager about your needs to find out what might be available options to you, internally or externally, and who would pay for it. One thing to keep in mind as you think about this is that it is always good to do externally validated courses as these can contribute to your ongoing professional development.
Retreat Centres such as Lee Abbey or Scargill House regularly have weeks where the focus is on creation care and the environment. It is worth looking at their programmes.
Service-oriented community members who prioritise respectful relationships, interdependence and growth of others over individual agenda and encouraging others to do the same.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
