Growth is awkward, uncomfortable, and beautiful.

Growth is awkward, uncomfortable, and beautiful.

I recently posted some birthday memories on Facebook for my 20-year old daughter. While she enjoyed the memories, she also commented, “Now all my friends know what I looked like during those awkward years.” Yes, somewhere between being an adorable toddler and a beautiful teen, most young people go through some awkward growing phases.

It’s also true in our personal walk with the Lord and our corporate growth as a Body of Christ. Our church service this morning was a perfect example. Full of first attempts and small changes. Long pauses and awkward moments. But, what joy in seeing people serving from their hearts!

New Sunday School teacher. It was encouraging to see a new person try his hand at teaching. Was his reading fluent? No. Was he smooth and polished? No. Did he make a good attempt? Yes. And he was willing to admit what he didn’t know and ready to learn how to improve and do better in the future. He even put into practice some ideas he just learned at a seminar just two days earlier! Best of all, he was affirmed by the church leaders for his efforts and encouraged to try again next Sunday.

New song leaders. Two youth led the music today, both new at trying this. Some songs went fine and others were flat or hard to follow. They made one mistake typical to enthusiastic beginners - choosing some songs that are better performed by individuals than sung together by a whole congregation. Nonetheless, what encouraged me most about their attempts was the response of the women sitting near me. A couple began to grumble, but others persevered and tried to help carry the melody well enough that others could follow along better. One lady in particular gave a big smile to those snickering near her and intentionally sang and danced more enthusiastically.

Rookie preacher. One of the usual Sunday School teachers was rotated onto the preaching roster. This wasn’t his first-ever attempt at preaching, but probably among his first three or four tries. He struggled through the Bible reading in the local language and apoligized for errors. His message was okay, but not earth-shattering. However, it was Biblical and reflected his growth in the Lord. I’m pretty sure God was smiling.

New choir. After years of no “Adult Choir”, a group of experienced singers joined together and sang two choir numbers today. These singers have been present in the church all along, but today everyone was able to enjoy what can happen when people put their gifts to good use.

Growing Children’s Sunday School. More kids in Sunday School. Yay! More noise and commotion in the main service. Boo! But, it’s part of the growing pains. Signs of life and growth. And room for improvement.

Crowded Benches. Here’s where “uncomfortable” becomes literal! The benches were full and we’re going to need new ones. Great problem to have.

 

Overall, today’s worship service was not impressive. It certainly wasn’t polished. The best teacher/preacher was sitting in the audience watching those he’d been mentoring rather than speaking. There were pauses and mistakes. There were awkward moments and discomfort. But, there were also enthusiastic attempts, real people willing to be vulnerable, and a congregation willing to show grace. And I found myself rejoicing inside, because God is at work. That’s growth!  

 

Ephesians 4:11-16 says, “¹¹It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹²to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

¹⁴Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming ¹⁵Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

 

Growth is a process. It requires all of us doing our own part, maturing and building each other up in love. Like the lady who intentionally danced along with the weak music performance, let us choose to encourage rather than complain. Let us look for the beautiful growth and work of God rather than focus on the need for improvement. That will come if the opportunity is there for people to put their gifts into practice in a safe environment. Let us, together, grow into Him!