When God gives a KDA

We are in our fifth week of a “stay-at-home-order” here in Orlando. I had this thought yesterday - "What if God has given our movement a KDA (key development assignment)?"

A good key development assignment always has some challenge to it - something that stretches us, an element of faith, trusting Him for whatever outcome.

What might this assignment be? It is so unusual to have all of us around the world in a similar circumstance! Here are some of the things I have heard from different groups of leaders in the past few days.

We are realizing the need to “be still, and know that I am God.” We need to seek the Lord - to gain His wisdom and perspective on what is happening. What does He want for us during this time?

● We need different rhythms during this season - more time with the Lord and in prayer, seeking Him, His strength and peace, resting in Him. Paying attention to our physical needs for exercise and sleep, to our emotional needs (to grieve what may be lost and to be grateful for what has been gained) and to our relational needs, help us to develop these new rhythms.

● This is also a time to evaluate – a time for pruning – both personally and ministry wise. What have I been holding on to in place of what God might want for me?

We have a tremendous opportunity to care for people and their needs. As one leader said, “People around us are hopeless. How can I pursue my calling in spite of this lockdown? My calling has not changed.”

● We desire more connection with family. Though some may be separated geographically, the ability to stay in touch is so important. For others with children at home, managing the needs of online school and ongoing ministry can be a challenge. For some, this has meant active discipleship of their children.

● People are hurting. You can see it expressed in exhaustion, frustration, anger, control, fear, and anxiety. We have the answer in Jesus.

This season brings greater emphasis on the Relationships of a Leader – God, self, and others. The priority to love God and people well has risen to the top. With most of our normal activities reduced or changed, we cannot define ourselves by our productivity. We can only look to the Lord for what He says about us – we are His beloved. Can we rest in that?

● Leaders who are connecting with their teams see that our staff members are looking for clarity – how do we shift? What is important now?

● They are leaning on the principles of win, build, send in order to adapt our methods. For most, this has resulted in a quick adaptation to digital means of conducting ministry. Training, demonstrating the “how to’s”, getting people comfortable with all the tools takes time and energy.

● The cycle of “observe what is going on, interpret what people need, and try something” needs both great execution with speed and great communication. Can we adapt quickly to meet the needs of those who are anxious and without hope? Team members can do that when they have freedom to try new things and not worry about permission or failure.

The KDA then? I can’t say exactly, but these questions seem clear.

● Will we give God our full attention?

● Will we love and serve the people around us?

● Will we live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission?

● Will we adapt how we reach out with the greatest message ever given to those who desperately need it?

If God has given us a key development assignment, I pray that we make the most of it. Let’s slow down to be with HIm, and live out our callings to wholeheartedly love God, to love one another, and to proclaim His good news.

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