Bulletin Article August 2024
by Justine Bowtell-Harris
Are We Asking The Right Question?
Over the years, I’ve often heard, “There aren’t any leaders, coaches, or fathers”. While this statement has merit, I believe we must delve deeper or risk this statement becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Each month, Gerard and I have the honour of participating in a call with other facilitators in the SRT community. Collectively, across our groups, we facilitate 90 members through the materials we study, which is truly incredible – praise be to God. Every month, facilitators attend this meeting prepared to share how they have been impacted by these materials, how they are implementing these truths, and how they are experiencing personal transformation. We also discuss training, key points, language barriers, prayer needs, encouragement, and administrative topics relevant to our groups and upcoming calls. Each month the facilitator of your group is walking in their own transformation – while praying for you, planning for you and training for you.
My question to the community, whether you are in a study group or not, is: Are we showing up?
For decades, I’ve witnessed my parents’ journey without an in-person mentor, yet they have grasped the biblical importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:18-19). They consistently showed up and immersed themselves in the teachings of Dennis and Bruce while eagerly pursuing Bruce’s guidance, actively seeking feedback and counsel whenever possible (Proverbs 15:22). Initially, through tapes and books and later, in person, they devoted themselves to learning, absorbing, and submitting to Bruce—not because he was flawless (though he is pretty amazing), but because they were obedient to God’s call to be disciples, and Bruce was the mentor placed in their lives. They faithfully adhered to God’s word, sat under Bruce’s teachings in discipleship, and embodied those truths in their lives and within their home. They chose to be disciples and committed to showing up consistently.
For years, they have submitted themselves to Bruce, granting him access to every aspect of their lives for feedback and “judgement” (recognising from this month’s lesson that judgement is about helping someone understand the consequences of their actions). (Matthew 18:15). They dedicated themselves to scheduled calls, making trips to visit him and arranging for him to visit them. At the very core of who they are, they have fully embraced the principle of “working where the Father is working.”
In his recent July 5th devotional, Bruce shared that God’s answers may not always align with our expectations, and I’m certain my parents would have preferred a local mentor who could visit them weekly and provide in-person discipleship. However, that wasn’t how God answered their prayers or what He provided. They could have easily been discouraged and asked, “Where are the mentors?”. Instead, they chose proactive commitment, investing their time, finances, and resources to be disciples under the mentor and fellow believer God had appointed for them. They began with tapes, books and studies which later developed into deep and personal connections.
It started with a single decisive step. Instead of agonising over multiple decisions regarding which courses, books, or seminars recommended by Bruce to attend, they made one firm decision: wherever Bruce taught and whatever he recommended, they would participate (Mark 1:17-18). Their single decisive step meant the tough decisions were already made; they then trusted God to provide.
I share this not to elevate them or to encourage ungodly comparisons. Rather, I hope it serves as a tool for reflection for all of us: Are we actively pursuing and committing to the mentors, coaches, and spiritual guides whom God has placed in our lives, or are we waiting for someone who meets our specific expectations?
When we cease making individual choices that are often shortsighted, and instead make the singular choice to be disciples under those whom God has placed in our lives, we gain the ability to see the bigger picture and plan for the future.
When we understand this at a deep level, we no longer question whether to attend the study group call. The answer becomes clear: of course we do. It is a priority for my discipleship to align myself with those whom God has placed in my life, so I intend to be there, fully committed to doing the necessary work to “show up” and actively participate in this fellowship.
We don’t ask ourselves, “Do I attend the conference?” The answer is simply, of course we do. It is a priority for my discipleship to align myself with those whom God has placed in my life, so I intend to be there. I am committed to doing everything possible to make that happen and pray that it aligns with God’s will.
There is significant prayer, effort, and dedication from the SRT leadership team for this community—for you. Each member of the leadership team is wholeheartedly committed to their own personal growth, development, and transformation. They also faithfully serve the Kingdom of God through their roles in training, coaching, and guiding within this community.
So I dare us to contemplate if the question is “Where are the coaches?”. Or in fact, is the real question, “Am I showing up?”.