001 Growth We Do Not Control

Growth We Do Not Control

Leading when we do not know how growth happens

Focus on Relationships

Introduction

As we hear this passage, let us listen for what is already happening—

not what should be forced,

not what must be fixed,

but what is quietly taking shape among us.

Let us hear the Word together.

Prayer

Gospel Reading

This parable resists urgency.

Nothing dramatic happens.

No crisis is resolved.

No strategy is announced.

The farmer scatters seed—and then steps back.

He sleeps. He rises.

Growth happens, but not because he manages it.

Jesus offers this story, in part, to people who are tempted to confuse faithfulness with control, and action with anxiety. The reign of God, he says, grows in ways that cannot be rushed, engineered, or fully explained.

As we turn to conversation, this is not an exercise in fixing what feels unfinished or naming what should be happening. Instead, it is an invitation to notice what is already alive among us—however small, uneven, or incomplete it may feel.

Listen for where growth may be quietly underway.

Attend to what requires patience rather than pressure.

And allow space for what is not yet ready.

We begin, not by solving, but by noticing.

Where might anxiety show up for the farmer in this story—and what does the farmer do with the anxiety?

What stands out to you about the phrase, “the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how”?

If this story names different stages of growth, what does it help us notice about timing and patience?

In this story, what is the farmer responsible for—and what is he not responsible for?

Given all of this, what would it look like to support what is already growing—without forcing it?

What does this story invite us to trust that we cannot manage?

What anxiety do you have in ministry right now, and how is God meeting you there?

Check-In

Choose one question and share as you are able. After all have shared, we will hold what we’ve heard in prayer together.

What is one thing you are genuinely looking forward to this Lent or Easter season?

Where are you noticing energy or signs of life in your ministry or church right now?

What is one thing you are carrying right now—whether hope, concern, grief, or uncertainty—that you would be willing for us to hold with you in prayer?

Focus on the Future

As we continue this experiment of relationship-building, our primary work right now is learning—learning who is connected to whom, where trust can grow, and what kinds of shared experiences help us listen well across differences. This is not about making decisions today, but about noticing what might be possible over time.

To help us think and prayer together, consider the following questions:

• Who are a few people or groups that it would be healthy to connect for relationship-building and mutual learning?(Not to fix problems—simply to know one another better.)

• What is one informal gathering that could help build trust or shared understanding?(A meal, a conversation, a joint retreat, or something similarly low-stakes.)

• What is one small, time-limited experiment that could help us learn more?(For example: worship, shared mission, training, or another practice—without assuming it will continue.)

Time Budget

Some of the most important work of the board meeting has already taken place–focusing on vision and relationships. About 70% of the board meeting has been completed.

Advise and Counsel

Each team or committee as an opportunity to seek advice and guidance from the board based on the larger board strategy and goals.

Action Items

Each team or committee as an opportunity offer action items to the board in pre-written motions.

Management and Structure

Management and structural requirements are import, but cannot be in the drivers seat. Such issues balance relationships and vision, but do not overcome them.