Since Embrace began in 2015, we have heard the unique needs, preferences, struggles, victories and hopes of Embrace groups around the territory. As an Embrace leader, I’m in this with you. I too sometimes struggle to set up our monthly meeting date, I’ve forgotten to let a non-Facebook member of our group know we were meeting (we use a private FB group), I’ve forgotten the questions and experienced the awkward silence in between questions.
Seriously, I get what you’re going through.
And I still believe in Embrace.
What I want to say to leaders and group members alike is: press on. Keep showing up because you need this and your sister that worked up the nerve to show up needs it. She needs your listening ear, she needs to see that you thought she was worth showing up for. And you need a space and chance to be heard, loved, listened to and affirmed. Member, pass on a question if you’re not comfortable answering. That’s okay to do. Leader, ask if anyone else wants to share before moving on. There’s lots of ways to lovingly lead – take deep breathes, pray for your group before meeting and practice grace.
There will be a Kingdom of God return on your investment in your Embrace group. The community in your corps will strengthen, bond and see each other in a new way.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 11:23-25
Stay tuned for an upcoming post called: Want to take your Embrace group deeper?