Jimbo's Jots

“As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

Today marked the first day for this year, that a group of youth pastors gathered together. This group has been together for almost 20 years. It started with a small group of 3, including myself. The purpose of the gathering is to provide support and encouragement along the way.

As has become a custom, we go around the room and introduce ourselves, what church are we serving and how long have you been there. Rough count, there were about 20 of there. Of the 20 guys and gals, there were 3 of us who had been in ministry for 25 plus years, most had 5-10 years of ministry experience, about a third of them said, “I’ve been on the job a month or less!”

That’s what I love about this gathering. I was away from it for a few years, but within the last couple of years have tried to reconnect. It is an opportunity to speak in to some younger ministers. I found too, that there are times that they also speak in to me and help sharpen me.

I think that is what the old wise king was saying. There are times when we need to have these types of groups in our lives. There are some where we are going to be able to speak and it hones and teaches those who are younger. There are times where in their youth, they will say something that provides the sharpening that we need.

If you don’t have these types of people in your life, let me know. I’d like to guide you to some people that might be able to help shape you to where you would like to be.

In the meantime, be blessed! Be a blessing to others!