Purposes

1. To recognize the mutually transformative power of authentic human encounters;

2. To identify practices that foster meaningful engagement;

3. To prioritize strategies for an intentional engagement campaign.

Stories of Real Mutuality

I had known Paul for about 15 years before his wife entered hospice. Her long battle with cancer was taking a difficult turn. As friendly colleagues, I wasn’t sure whether I had a place in his support network, but I began checking in occasionally. These small gestures grew into near-daily texts, often sparked by morning prayer when I would send a verse, quote, or question. Paul regularly replied until one day he wrote, “And what about you? This friendship isn’t just about me, you know?”

With that, Paul disrupted my quiet assumption that I was merely supporting him. No, we were in a real and mutual relationship. We each carry stories of encounters that change us—moments where God breaks into our well-adjusted worldview and enlarges our hearts. These experiences leave a lasting mark, shaping how we see the world. Through my experience with Paul, I have come to see more clearly that journeying with another is never a one-way street. God often stirs transformative growth through mutuality.

Why Engagement Matters

One supporting idea for the importance of transforming relationships is what Gallup refers to as “engagement.” Gallup’s research, as shared in Growing an Engaged Church by Albert Winseman, underscores that spiritual commitment is often the result of engagement, not its prerequisite. This insight challenges the common assumption that spiritual maturity naturally produces involvement. Instead, showing up with intention, connection, and purpose creates the conditions for both spiritual and professional growth.

When it comes to ministry collaboration, this means first cultivating engagement among our teams and cohort members. When we intentionally invest in one another, our shared work becomes a catalyst for deeper spiritual commitment, within us as Christian leaders and also among those we serve.

According to Winseman, engagement can be observed through tangible experiences of life satisfaction, inviting, serving, and giving:

Life Satisfaction: Our participation contributes to a sense of thriving.
Inviting: We see our communities and work as valuable enough to share with others.
Serving: We actively support others in their communities and beyond.
Giving: We freely invest time, talents, and resources in the people we meet.

By prioritizing engagement, we foster a ripple effect of growth, resilience, and spiritual vitality.

Four Strategies for Mutuality & Engagement

If we want to avoid demanding outcomes or forcing affirmations, we must practice recognizing that genuine engagement grows from shared experience. This means embedding strengths-based principles into our lives and practicing what we preach. Drawing from Winseman’s insights, four strategies stand out as especially applicable to this process:

Clarify Expectations – Transparency about goals, roles, and shared values builds purpose and accountability.

Discover Talents – Helping one another explore and name strengths fosters confidence and collaboration.

Create Strengths-Based Opportunities – Engagement deepens when everyone contributes in ways aligned with their gifts.

Reflect and Debrief – Sharing stories of learning and growth celebrates progress and identifies next steps.

These strategies create a culture where connection, contribution, and spiritual growth can thrive.

For Discussion

Prioritizing Engagement Strategies

Ministry Situations
What is the ministry situation you’re facing that is most on your mind?
Clarify Expectations
To what degree do participants already understand what is expected of them, and what they can expect from you? Which expectations, if clarified, would most help align the purposes and processes?
Give Strengths-based Opportunities
In what ways can you broaden or deepen participation according to people’s God-given talents? Which partners will help you practice modeling collaboration?
Check-In
What forms of informal/formal connections do you have with your teammates that focus on personal and professional growth? What do you feel called to add/adapt that you could sustain?

PRAYER | God of Unity, you model the dance of relationship through the mysteries of the Holy Trinity. Invite us into the rhythms and lovingkindness of that dance through the gift of human encounters. Transform us as we relate to one another and participate in your work in the world. Amen.

Sam Rahberg is a spiritual director, CliftonStrengths coach, and founder of STRENGTHSFORWARD. Learn more at www.samuelrahberg.com.