We just finished two days of working with over 100 church leaders from across North America, asking tough questions about their vision and strategy for building community in their local church. It was an amazing and encouraging time for me.

I've been working at this small group thing for 25 years now and at times I wonder. Have people forgotten the simple truth that by God's design we are created for community? Have they lost sight of the fact that what we are trying to create here is modeled by God himself in the trinity? That it is a high and holy calling? Have they moved away from the value that life change happens best in community?

Even at the risk of sounding like Elijah's pity party under the broom tree, I still must confess that these thoughts cross my mind.

So I am thankful to be around people who are in the trenches of building community in a local church. People who are wrestling with tough questions. Trying to fight our culture that tends towards independence and isolation. People who are engaged in and winning the battle for community. I am inspired by their tenacity and challenged by their creativity. I love being around them.

It gives me hope that the vision is still alive. That the cause is still worth the battles. That the dream can be realized.

So what does that for you? What keeps your fires stoked, your vision alive? How has it been since you've been encouraged?