Partnering
Living and Ministering in Community
by Jim and Cindy Gassaway
What does it mean to "live in a community?" I asked the young officers
in Bible study what the term "community" meant to them, and they had a
variety of ideas. Some thought doing activities together made them part
of a community. Others thought being part of something made for
community. We believe these ideas fall short of what God desires for us
when we consider living in community.A major factor in our decision to move to the Tidewater (Virginia) area was to join with a team of Navigator staff who place a high value on the importance of living in community. We are learning that living in community means much more than living in proximity, attending meetings together, or even having the same vision for ministry.
Shortly after our arrival in Tidewater, our staff team began working through a process developed by Leadership Catalyst. In this process we have looked at our needs and our strengths. We have learned the importance of being authentic with each other.
We are experiencing the benefits of giving and receiving affirmation. We are growing through transparency and vulnerability. Although they may seem similar, there's a difference that really plays out in the development of community.
Transparency means that we are open with our lives and issues. Vulnerability means being open to what others say about our lives and issues. Transparency is not easy, and vulnerability is even more difficult. Both can feel scary and threatening and call up all our defenses.
However, we are discovering that over time, these types of authentic relationships can be formed with a foundation of trust and love. Cindy summarized the process like this: "Relationships of grace create environments of grace which release hope and vision."
We have observed a growing trust in our hearts toward the staff and have experienced their trust in us. Team members share significant issues and find strength and confidence in submitting to the input of others. We see examples of staff deferring to the strengths of others when it comes to areas such as planning, counseling, finances, evangelism, leadership, and encouragement. We are seeing how these relationships of grace among the staff team enable all of us to minister more effectively.
Jim and Cindy Gassaway minister with the Military Entity in Virginia Beach, Virginia.