• Focus on strengths, and you'll grow stronger. Focus on weaknesses and you grow weaker. In other words, build one another up.
• Gospel, not gossip. The best way to communicate is directly and by using I statements. Communication through a third party tears down. No whispering, no secrets or secret meetings. When conflict comes, meet it head on. Check in and when it's over, debrief.
• Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Do more than your share and do it anonymously, whether that be with your presence, your money, your prayers, your encouragement, your praise.
• Focus on ourselves, not others. Yes, you read that right. Ask yourself, What can I do to be part of a great congregation? What can I do to help that person or ministry? What do I need to change about me?
• Seek to be humble and aware of the great humor in life.
• Remember that people's lives are often hard, that they are often fighting great unseen battles. Therefore, be gentle and judge not.
• Give thanks for everything. We don't really understand Paul's advice to the church until we go through pain and realize that everything, absolutely everything, is in God's hands. Who are we to judge what is good or not?
With "expedition behavior" as a guide for the journey of faith on our congregational expedition, we'll be able to say when we're asked about our church, I have never been part of a finer organization in my life.
Packing for your faith expedition.
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© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
