2019 KPMI Annual Conference Life and Spiritual Balance

Opening Devotional “All In” “And whatever you do , in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Life and Spiritual Balance Our Premise: Over-commitment or over- involvement in any area of life, including Kairos, leads to unhealthy consequences for us and for the Kairos ministry. For volunteers serving in Kairos Prison Ministry it is absolutely essential that their lives be Spiritually Healthy and Balanced. Jesus is our example. “He matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.” Luke 2:52

Life and Spiritual Balance What does “out of balance” look like? “One aspect of life over-emphasized to the detriment of any other” Examples: Work Church Physical health Family Friends Kairos

Life and Spiritual Balance When can Kairos become the “Good thing gone bad”? Elicit input from attendees and provide examples if needed to start discussion.

Life and Spiritual Balance What are the potential outcomes that result from over-commitment to Kairos? Elicit more feedback, examples, etc. Burnout Family and friends resentful of Kairos Volunteer develops “proprietary” attitude We limit recruitment of new volunteers

Life and Spiritual Balance What “ALL IN” does not mean: “If a little Kairos is good, a lot is better!” “How about 8 or 9 on and 1 off”? If there is ever a conflict with Kairos schedule and family commitments, church obligations, work responsibilities, or time with friends,-------Kairos Always Wins! Whenever you are with other people (individually or in a group) start talking about Kairos! (they’ll love it!)

Life and Spiritual Balance What “ALL IN” does mean: “Wherever you go, there you are!” Be totally committed to whatever you are involved in at the time Being able to say “no” to good things so that you have the ability to say “yes” to God’s best for you and for others. Looking to God and not people to set your priorities. Stewarding all the time, gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given each of us to be “all in” for Him. Understanding God created us body, mind and spirit— all in for Him. You cannot do excellence if you are out of spiritual balance.

Life and Spiritual Balance How do we, so easily, fall into this trap? We tend to do what we get rewarded for (praise, etc.). Genuine desire to serve God through serving in Kairos. Not wanting to “let the team down”. “Jim’s the next WL and I promised him I’d be on his team.” “I’ve been recruiting this guy and he finally said ‘yes,’ so…..”

Life and Spiritual Balance Getting “RE-balanced” Take inventory : a. Family relationships When’s the last time you took your spouse to dinner/movie? Are your kids mad at you? b. Friends Are you as close to your friends as you used to be? Do you have any non-Kairos friends? c. Church Are you involved in any non-Kairos ministries?

Life and Spiritual Balance Getting “RE-balanced” Take inventory : (cont.) d. Work Doing “enough to get by”? Is your boss happy with you? e. Health Do you take time to exercise, rest, eat healthy? f. Spiritual health Are you too busy “serving God” to spend time with and worship God? These areas are not silo’s. We cannot be spiritually heathy unless we attend to all areas for proper balance. Are you to busy serving God to spend time with God? Praying, reading, praising, being still in His presence?

Life and Spiritual Balance Getting “RE-balanced” 2. Consult your Accountability Group a. Are you participating in a group that will speak the truth to you in love? (Even when you don’t want to hear it?) b. You’re not trying to do this all by yourself, are you?

Life and Spiritual Balance Getting “RE-balanced” 3. Take some time: (to rebuild/repair) for self for family for friends for God* *“Remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy!”

Life and Spiritual Balance Advisory Council function as accountability group. How should the Advisory Council operate to assist in spiritual balance? How should Weekend Leader operate to assist in spiritual balance? Ensure message here is consistent with AC training. Yes, AC’s are in a role of accountability. Examples: 3 on, 1 off; spiritual focus of meetings, activities.

Life and Spiritual Balance Lord God, thank you that you are the source of the air we breath and the director of our path. Thank you for balance in every area of our lives, even in those areas that seem off balance, because you are working in us there. You are in control, not me, or any of us, and you are the center of the scale that balances us spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in every other area, including Kairos, and we give you thanks and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen.