I just got back from spending a few days with some of my preacher friends in Ohio. We call ourselves the “Stinklings.” The ‘Inklings” was the name of the group of writers many years ago that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. They had a group that met at a pub and helped each other write. Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings, and so much great writing came not only out of some of the greatest minds of our day, but because they got together and helped each other in the journey.
This group is not a group of great minds and not good enough to be in the same category as thinkers (and we avoid pubs). But we like the idea, so we call ourselves the “Stinklings.” We stink, but we are still leading together and working together. The other three all pastor churches about our size and are my age and we really work well together. We share sermon series ideas and occasionally preach together. But more importantly we’ve committed to walking together through the journey of ministry. I have a lot of guys like that in my life, including my two brothers in law, but the four of us share a lot of similar situations in our life and we have decided that we are going to hold each other to the task of being the best leaders, preachers, husbands, fathers, and sons of God that we can be. I’m better because I’m with them.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.
Thanks for reminding us guys that life wasn't meant to be lived alone. I'm looking forward to a new season of meeting with my small group and am excited about some new people that will be a part of that.
Regarding your meeting place, a pub probably isn't the best place for an accountability group. However, a pub is a great place to meet people on "their turf" as Jesus so often did.
It's good to invite people to "PCC's turf" of Weekend Services and small groups. But it's also good to humble ourselves (and get up enough courage) and take a step towards interacting with some people who might never take the first step towards us.
Who knows, at the pub, God might actually "brew" up some interest and show someone that He can help with whatever "ales" them.
Posted by: Dave | September 11, 2007 at 10:10 AM
I need a group like that. Ever since the David series last year I've been realizing how I've always had no problem finding people to give my heart to, but it's always been a problem finding people to give my back and head to. I'm working on it.
Posted by: Eric | October 06, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Eric: "I need a group like that. Ever since the David series last year I've been realizing how I've always had no problem finding people to give my heart to, but it's always been a problem finding people to give my back and head to. I'm working on it."
Eric, come to the Men's Conference in the Sky Room on Friday, November 16th. It's a great place to meet equally yoked guys who can be your "Band of Brothers."
Posted by: We Are...Penn State | October 07, 2007 at 05:45 PM