Pilgrimage Ponderings
Commitment, Priorities, and Schedules
"We offer Disciple Bible study every year, but very few will make the commitment."
"We can't seem to get adults with families to commit to our Wednesday night programs that are designed for them."
I often hear comments similar to these as I meet with various congregations. The implication is that the reason people don't take advantage of spiritual growth opportunities is because they lack commitment. I've been pondering this idea, and I think perhaps we need to look at what folks are committed to rather than what we think they aren't committed to.
I see parents working full-time jobs and trying to be good parents. They are committed to their children. Their children are involved in LOTS of activities, some of which are meaningful and important. These activities typically take place in the evening hours, because in the afternoon the children are in after-school programs while their parents are at work.
I'm talking about these parents as if "they" are "out there," but I'm one of them! Getting me, my husband, and my three kids through the week is a signficant feat in scheduling and organization. And depending on what sport season it is and how many of my children are participating, sometimes I cannot figure out how to add one more thing to my schedule, even when I'd like to.
And that's a HUGE factor. Many people haven't made a decision to participate in a Bible study or other small group experience because they have no idea what they are missing. If a person hasn't had the opportunity to come to Bible study one night feeling absolutely drained and then leave an hour or so later feeling physically relaxed and spiritually nourished, then they don't know why they need to commit to a study or class at the church.
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to feel the Spirit at work in my life when I participate in a study for spiritual growth. I am learning how to make that experience a priority in my life. And when I make it a priority, I have to shift my schedule around and work with my family's schedule in order to have that spiritually nourishing experience.
I'm probably rambling a little, but my point is this. Sometimes we see lack of participation in church programs as lack of commitment to the church or even God. But what if people are committed to God and want to grow in their faith, and just haven't figured out how to set their priorities and schedules in order to do so? How can we help folks recognize their spiritual hunger and figure out how to let go of the activities that are draining them?
It seems to me that this is a different kind of conversation about commitment.
