Becoming a ChristCare Leader

By Jane Meythaler

From the moment I heard about this new group called ChristCare Ministry I was hooked. Even without knowing any details or the commitment required I was determined to become involved. This was such an intriguing idea, this way of reaching out to people in a meaningful way and being trained to lead a group.

My enthusiasm somewhat was tempered when I learned that the Beginnings Group would be meeting for eight Monday evenings during the SUMMER! Who in their right, outdoor-loving mind would sacrifice eight wonderful summer evenings to go to a Beginnings Class? However I went, and after the first class, again I was hooked.

Each session was a positive experience in Christian sharing and commitment to continue on with leadership training. Once again I faced the seemingly impossible task of committing to 2 1/2 hours of training every Monday evening for twelve weeks, plus an additional two Saturdays of training for eight hours each day. I made the commitment.

Frankly, there were a couple of evenings when it was an all-out physical effort to be in attendance. However, the Holy Sprit was NOT to be discounted, and for me each session proved to be fulfilling and inspiring.

With each passing week our group of thirteen people - thirteen different personalities - thirteen different hopes and dreams for our individual groups - thirteen different places in our faith, grew closer in Christian fellowship, support and encouragement.

Was the training we received important? Yes! Were the experiences we shared priceless? Definitely yes! The Spirit's gentle guidance most certainly was ever present, strengthening my faith and giving me courage to face the challenge of becoming a group leader.

My thank you is heartfelt and sincere to Norma Rohn, Rodney Serbus and Heather Schmitz for their outstanding leadership, patience and dedication in teaching our group. They are excellent examples of leaders in action.

Am I somewhat apprehensive taking on this responsibility of leading a group, guiding them through their walk in faith? Absolutely yes! However, through the power of Jesus Christ and His presence with me and the women's group that I have chosen to lead, it will be a place where we can refresh, renew, and restore our spirits, stretch our faith, form bonds of lasting friendship, and grow closer in our relationship to Christ.

Copyright Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 2003.