It’s Like This Verbal Jesus Was in the Room

On a recent Sunday morning, I couldn’t wait to get to Bible class. 

We are in the middle of a series called What We Know So Far, in which different people in the class share what they’ve learned about how God works in their lives. Most people in the class are in their 50s, so there is a lot of life and God to draw from. Everyone has taken a different approach to what and how they share, but the format includes talking about family, work, relationships, and, most importantly, spiritual themes revealed through a lifetime of experiences. Some memories have been light-hearted and funny, while others have shared about intense difficulties. 

Taking the time to reflect on my whole lifetime isn’t something I’m drawn to do myself without a little prompting—well, maybe a big shove. However, while listening to the stories of my classmates, I find myself hanging on every word as they reveal how God has been present, faithful, generous, and forgiving. Of all the classes I’ve attended as a lifelong Jesus-lover, listening to people talk about God’s love through their own lives is unmatched.

Do I know God is present, faithful, generous, and forgiving? Yes. But it’s different to hear it this way.

Hearing the unpolished voices of these individuals, and watching their facial expressions communicate more depth than words allow, affects me on a much deeper level. It’s just incredible to see how God has provided so abundantly and creatively in each person’s journey. It’s amazing to hear people say in their own words, “I’ve learned about God’s timing; I’ve learned how God equipped me for what I didn’t know was coming; I’ve learned how God provides; I’ve learned how God forgives; I’ve learned never to turn my back on someone seeking Jesus….”

When married couples share, it’s lovely to hear them talk about their spouse with the respect and pride of those who have tackled life together. Some have chosen to be quite vulnerable, and I’m so grateful to be in the presence of such bravery. This particular morning, people were lined up to thank the presenters after class; that doesn’t occur unless extraordinary things are happening. It’s like this verbal Jesus is right in the room. People feel and respond.

As I was thinking about the impact of What We Know So Far, it occurred to me that it’s hard to get to know people on a Sunday. We are all in the same building, but rarely does the Sunday structure allow for in-depth conversations. Worship is the priority, of course, but those in-depth conversations are gems of connection and inspiration. I wish I had asked my parents and grandparents to share their stories in this manner.

How much more would our church families trust and respect our leaders if they shared in this way? Infinitely. I’m a record with a stuck needle, saying, “Information, by itself, isn’t persuasive.” I do want to be clear about traditional preaching and teaching. I’m only thankful for those who write, preach, and teach. I sincerely appreciate how gifted authors and speakers facilitate thoughtful Bible studies and have certainly grown intellectually and spiritually from those efforts. 

What I know so far is that we are starved for connection, and the enemy could not be happier about it. I invite you to set up something like What We Know So Far and just see how people respond. If you’d like to start with a less-vulnerable version, ask people to share how they approach their profession as a believer. I was involved in a class like this a while back, and it quickly grew in popularity with the church family for the same reasons. We were able to facilitate deeper conversations about the powerful presence of the Lord in our lives.

As always, yours truly, your communication evangelist, is praying for you. I’ll leave you with this passage from Acts 2:44-47:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.