Throughout the year, we are asked to partner with different ministries and organizations. We have partnered with orphanages, youth camps, local schools, and YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Aside from those, I’ve realized that one of our biggest ministries on the race is our immediate community—our team. Day in and day out we live life alongside each other, working, eating, sleeping, playing–basically covering every inch of life together. I think it might be a pretty good taste of married life, really. (For those of you who are married, you can tell me otherwise).
feed|back
NOUN:
Information about reactions to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.
We all realize we are not perfect (and if you haven’t yet, I’m sorry to burst your bubble), but we all have strengths and areas of growth. Feedback is a pretty central part of the World Race community. It’s the opportunity to sharpen one another in our walks with the Lord and share what the Lord has potentially put on our hearts for each other. It creates an open space where we can help refine each other. We can share areas where we see good things happening and/or room for improvement. Feedback takes Proverbs 27:17 and puts it into action.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
”And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, in Christ, from whom the whole body joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16
Wow. GOOD STUFF!
Feedback aims to edify one another in this way. As a body of believers we are called to speak into one another by prompting each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). The Lord created the church so that we can all use our individual talents and gifts together to advance the Kingdom—feedback is a way for us to share our insight and share what the Lord is speaking to us.
It starts off with the giver asking the receiver if they are ready to receive feedback. Ideally the receiver will say yes, to allow for the feedback to be given (there is follow up if the receiver isn’t ready, but typically if people in the community are seeking growth, a position of receiving feedback is more often than not). Feedback is given and often the receiver is encouraged to thank the giver, and take the feedback to the Lord to see what He has for them. It’s a time for one to take this to the Lord and ask if the information is for them. Often, feedback given is something that the Lord is speaking to the receiver about as well. Feedback can also shed light onto something that is unclear.
I have seen feedback play a crucial part of my journey on the race so far—both in giving and receiving. I have been able to hear what my fellow teammates are seeing and I am able to become more Christ like. I’m also given the opportunity to speak into the lives of my teammates and walk alongside their growth as well. It’s been incredible. It gives the space for us to share life with each other. It’s a time to celebrate with each other and also a time to point out ways that we can grow.
I’ve seen so much growth because of feedback and I think that any community can benefit from it.
So, are you ready to receive feedback?
If so, I want to challenge and encourage you to take a look at your community. Ask the Lord and yourself areas in your life that can be improved and how can you get there, together. We are each on our own journey, but the Lord often asks us to walk alongside and sharpen each other during our time on earth.
I would love for questions/dialogue about this. I’ve not only seen this shape my journey this year, but also see it being a great tool for my future communities.
