The Power of Two (or more)
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” Ruth 1:16-17
There’s an Indigo Girls song entitled, “The Power of Two.” I think it is beautiful, a testimony to hard conversations, shared journeys, and what it means to truly show up for someone you love. On a deeper level, it speaks to the blessing of vulnerability, trust, and believing. I have chosen Ruth as my focus scripture this morning because I believe it mirrors the sentiment of this song.
In my role as Leadership Development, I have the challenge and pleasure of the growth of our Communities of Practice program. I don’t know if I have the adequate words to relay how foundational my personal community of practice group is in my ministry. They are fellow associate conference ministers who draw together for worship, lament, and mutual sharing about our personal and professional lives. On one or more occasions, this group has been life saving for me. So, when I tell you I believe in the power of this program, I truly mean it.
One might say that Ruth and Naomi were thrown together by fate. However, once their spouses die and an embittered Naomi decides to make her way back to Judah, Ruth makes a choice to stay with Naomi. Naomi, in turn, chooses to allow Ruth to accompany her. I could speculate on the inner thoughts of each woman, but the core of their decision to stay together was a commitment to survival and the power that both women found in walking the road together.
As our 2021-2022 program year winds up, I encourage you to find out how you or your pastor might benefit from Communities of Practice. We will launch in the Fall, so now is the time to learn more and say yes to fellowship, support, and your growth as a leader. And while the conference staff administers this program, the heart and soul of the program is the facilitators who convene month after month across the conference, leading and ensuring a soft place to land for weary pastors. They are the rock stars- solid support that radiates the essence of agape love. Communities of Practice make the most uneven of journeys lighter. It’s all about the power of vulnerability, trust, and shared journeys. Come along, there’s room for you.
