Years ago a physician friend tried to gather pastors to work together on a project that would help the city. His comment was, “I finally found a group of people that were more egotistical than doctors.” His frustration reveals a common flaw in many leaders: “we think we already know whatever you are thinking of telling us!”
It is only when you’ve been knocked down a number of times that you’re willing to seek help.
Cede Sports is designed to help churches use sports to reach their communities. Because everyone thinks they know all there is to know about sports and church, sometimes those that need the help, will not ask. We found this to be true with many sports ministers in our network. They have been helped through the Cede network and sensed a need to both continue to learn and assist others. That is how Cede’s Learning Communities began in 2015. Here are the ground rules:
- Come eager to participate and learn
- Help foster a culture of collaboration
- Be willing to focus on results and follow through on the goals you set for yourself during the Learning Community
At a Learning Community in Richmond, VA, each person gave a quick bio and told us a bit about the ministry in which they serve. Since these Learning Communities are in their infancy with Cede, there are always new folks getting involved. A topic was introduced, pre-arranged with the organizing local group. A Cede staff person offered some interactive training with an emphasis on application. From the novice to the long time sports minister, each mentioned how helpful this time was to have weaknesses revealed and strengths and wisdom shared with others. Strangers became a team very quickly.
At another meeting in Charlotte, we were thrilled to hear one sports minister share, “The best things going on in the ministry I lead come from the ideas you guys have shared with me! Thank you.”
Learning Communities currently exist in Birmingham, Charlotte, and Richmond and hopefully will expand soon to Indianapolis, Atlanta, Memphis, and St. Louis. Cede hopes to expand communities so that more network churches can participate and be encouraged. To read more about the Learning Communities, please click here.
For more information, or to get involved in a Cede Learning Community, please contact Ken Cross at kcross@cedesports.org.
