A supportive group of Christians can be a significant help in our journey toward spiritual maturity. For many years I have been convinced that I need to find and participate in such groups for my own well-being. I have tried to give to the groups as well as taking strength and discipline from them. The Association of Nazarene Sociologists and Researchers (ANSR) has helped me both personally and as I have attempted to serve the church.
ANSR is made up of people who are interested in social research and the Church of the Nazarene. It was formed nearly 30 years ago. It has always included a variety of Nazarenes – people who teach sociology, social work, psychology, and history, people who are involved in sociological and other research, as well as denominational leaders, pastors, students, and lay members.
The primary goal of the organization is to generate research that may serve the church. We meet once a year in Kansas City to encourage each other in the research, writing, teaching, and ministry we are doing as well as to focus on some topic. The next meeting, March 25-27, 2010, will focus on ministerial attrition.
While the focus of ANSR is serving the church, the group also serves each other in by creating a bond of fellowship among members that stimulates intellectual development and spiritual enrichment. We do better work when we are challenged by worthy examples. The stresses of life are easier when we know someone cares about us. Growth in grace is helped by association with other believers. Challenges to our faith are easier to overcome when we have good examples and counsel from other Christians.
Most of us would benefit from a group that stretches and encourages us. Our challenge is with God’s help to find such a group where we can support and be supported.
Are you participating in a group that provides support to you?
Are you part of a group that holds you accountable?
Do you have a group that helps you better serve our Lord, people in need, and the church?
By Kenneth E. Crow
Kenneth E. Crow is a native of Nebraska. He graduated from SNU with a major in religion and later, while pastoring in Boulder, Colorado, earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in sociology at the University of Colorado. He has served as a Nazarene missionary in South Africa, as a pastor of Nazarene churches in Minnesota and Colorado, as a professor and registrar at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Nazarene Bible College. He recently retired from serving as the manager of the Research Center at Nazarene Headquarters.