CHRISTIAN & ADULT ED – CARING, COLLABORATING, CREATING

Collaborating: Joining efforts together toward a common goal

Collaboration: “coaction, cooperation, synergy, teamwork,” from Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus The return on the effort of two is better than one…or...two brains are better than one. Ministry in the church to those in need (we all are in need, even when comfortable and content) happens best in the context of shared resources and expertise. Tasks that might seem impossible in the hands of one, become attainable when a group of people combine efforts and motivation. Much knowledge and mastery can be gained from one another. A recent example of this occurred among the kindergarten and first grade teachers. A new teacher started in April. She appealed by email to the ongoing/experienced teachers for information concerning the children’s needs and successful classroom techniques. What she received in return was a wealth of suggestions acclimating her to individual children and the systems of training to which the children are accustomed. I was very thankful that the seasoned teachers collaborated in bringing the newest Christian Ed volunteer to a position of comfort and competence. This has an application in our daily lives too. Much of our resourcefulness lies in the expertise of our network of family, friends, and co-workers. Just as teachers can coordinate efforts to share information, give tips on classroom techniques, and adopt from one another classroom management styles, we personally gain from the examples of those who have walked the faith life before us. It is our blessing to acknowledge and return the same gift to others. A primary aspect in collaboration is encouragement. One sunny afternoon my grandson, being all of four years old, and I played “The Alligator’s Gonna Get You” on our front lawn. I, Papa, was trying to reach the safety land, otherwise known as the driveway, while holding Jaedon in suspense with my slow movement through the “grassy” water. As the imaginary gators closed in on me, Jaedon shouted, “Don’t stop Papa, keep trying!” Needless to say, I escaped their vile jaws at the very last minute, but not without the exhortations of a child. Likewise we should all collaborate to assist, encourage, and motivate each other “to love and good deeds” to the glory of God in heaven.”

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