Community Wesleyan Church Newark
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what is submission?
there are several words common to relationship that have both positive and negative uses.  submission is a word that could imply weakness, failure, inability or insignificance.  in a healthy relationship, submission is a trusting dependance on someone else.  we may submit to someone because they are able to do something we cannot do on our own.  However, we may also submit even though our ability is superior.  in either case, submission is less about the task at hand and more about the relationship involved.

imagine you are a senior leader and someone younger and less experienced is hired as your direct supervisor.  as a result of your seniority, there will be a number of things in which you are more capable and experienced.  submission in this relationship would not be a function of capability but relationship.  is the goal to prove your superiority over the young new leader?  Is your goal to support and establish those around you by using the experience you've gained over the years.

submission is a trusting dependance on someone else.  it requires trust because submission opens the door for abuse.  if the recipient of the submissive act does not respond with respect and love, the submission will result in pain and potential loss.  For this reason, submission requires trust.  it is difficult, sometimes impossible, to submit to a stranger.  submission is an indicator of intimacy in a healthy relationship.  as we become closer to one another, we submit to one another.
A group without submission
How do I know if my group lacks submission?
  • cooperation is rare
  • mature, established members rarely serve
  • opportunities are not geared toward younger, weaker members
  • conversations tend to lean toward stronger members
leading in submission
submission does not grow on accident.  if your small group struggles in this area, a plan is needed.  While the four training areas will be helpful in the long run, here are some quick ideas:
  • publicly offer to help one of your weaker members
  • ask a stronger member to lend a hand to a weaker member
  • normalize risk for the sake of the group
  • celebrate the submission of christ to weaker members of society
Other characteristics of intimate relationships

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​161 Myrtle Ave, Newark, OH 43055
​740.366.4220
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