Get Connected

A Chord of Three Strands

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work.  If one of them falls, his companion can lift him up. Pity the person who falls and has no one else to lift him up. What’s more, if two lie down, they can keep warm, but how can one person keep warm alone? Though an attacker can overpower one person, two people together can stand up against him. A rope with three strands is not quickly snapped.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In Ecclesiastes 4:12, Solomon writes, Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. These words of Solmon suggest that there is indeed strength in numbers. Serving in ministry can be extremely demanding and the events of this past year have made it even more challenging for many. Do you know a someone or two who could use some encouragement? Are you in need of a support system yourself? Consider the idea of forming a triad with two other colleagues to provide mutual support and encouragement to one another. God’s blessings as you encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Once your triad is formed, agree on some guiding principles such as:

  • Reading a common portion of Scripture daily, weekly, or whatever works for the group
  • Text your takeaway from the common Scripture reading to the others in your triad
  • Share your prayer requests with the others in your triad
  • Ask the others in your triad how you can pray for them
  • Agree to hold each other accountable
  • Agree to keep conversations positive and God-honoring
  • Begin with a brief devotional
  • Members provide ministry updates – What’s happening in your ministry?
  • Members bounce ideas/questions/concerns off each other for group discussion
  • Members ask each other how they are doing as a child of God – spiritually, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and relationally. (How is your devotional life? How are you doing keeping life in balance with family and ministry responsibilities? What are you doing to maintain your physical wellness? Etc.)
  • Close with a circle prayer, with each member offering an expression of thanksgiving and asking the LORD for help in a particular area related to ministry or personal life
  • This type of activity requires a high level of trust and the expectation of confidentiality among the group members.
  • An activity like this can also provide incredible blessings as brothers and sisters in Christ encourage and support each other as together they strive to carry out the Great Commission of making and nurturing disciples for Christ.
  • It is recommended that group members consist of the same gender.
  • A Cord of Three Strands is meant to be a supplement to your personal
    devotional/spiritual resiliency plan.

Additional Tools and Resources

CHRIST-CENTERED MENTAL HEALTH CARE:

Do you know someone who is struggling with escalating mental health issues? Christian Family Solutions offers help and hope in the form of excellent mental health care integrated with the healing power of the Gospel. As a para-synodical organization, CFS is a ministry partner that delivers Christ-centered care to those in need.

Christian Family Solutions partners with many organizations in our Member Assistance Program (MAP) to provide remove financial barriers and geographical obstacles providing services across the country and world.  Members in partnering congregations, students in schools, and called workers in districts all have access to short-term counseling services.  For more information on how to take advantage of these services, please contact us 800-438-1772 or email at [email protected].

Resources for Children

Resources for Educators

5 to Thrive

5 to Thrive is a podcast by WLC professors Rhoda Wolle and Marty Miller. Listen at 5tothrive.net/podcast .

MLC Blog: Issues in Lutheran Education

Sustaining Compassion in Education, Part 1

Sustaining Compassion in Education, Part 2

Rejoice in the Lord Always: A Bible Study from WLSTC

In a school year when consistency, clarity, and peace of mind might seem so far away, the beautiful truth that “the Lord is near” becomes increasingly meaningful as we look to serve with sufficient joy and strength. Pastor Jeremy Mattek from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville, Wisconsin reflects on this truth in this short devotion originally prepared for the 2020 Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers Conference. This Bible study includes a 14 minute message and accompanying leader and participant guides. Visit wlstc.org.

Marriage Moments & Marriage Maintenance

Marriage Moments are short, weekly videos highlighting one Biblical marriage thought accompanied by a discussion question.

Marriage Maintenance are online Bible studies to help couples as they deal with common issues that cause marital wear and tear. Each study is introduced with a short video  followed by an activity to put it into practice.

Facebook Groups

Join the conversation of WELS Educators.

Join other Early Childhood Directors and Teachers

Brain-aligned Strategies & Hierarchy for Educators

From Professor Lori Desautels, Brain-aligned Strategies and hierarchy for educators.

Vector Solutions Safe Schools Blog

A collaboration of:

                     

CONTACT US

Contact Lutheran Schools for more information.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email