A month or so ago, my co-facilitator of the virtual Samson Society meeting, "Brain Changers", asked that I exclusively take the reins. It was during early '23 that I began attending that virtual meeting regularly. Within six months or so, I'd been dubbed a "co-facilitator", much to my humbled delight. For I found the contrast / volleying between myself and my (now former) co-facilitator to truly set "Brain Changers" apart.
Alas, it wasn't meant to last. My co-facilitator stepped away in order to partner with a local Samson brother. They're set to kickstart a local in-person meeting (there in the Hoosier State).
I've spent most of my 500 one-per-week Samson meetings within in-person groups. In fact, if you look squarely at percentages, this is how the numbers fall:
In person: 72.6%
Virtual: 27.4%
(having attended since August of '14)
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I know my former virtual co-facilitator will excel as an in-person facilitator, particularly in contrast to his role within the virtual meeting space. Alec's physical presence will serve him (& the Lord) very well in this regard.
So, what's the key difference / experience I've witnessed between the two roles?
I was always taken for granted within the in-person Samson Society meeting facilitator role. As such, I hope that won't be the case for Alec.
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When I was in my early 30s, I was appointed President of our 'hood's homeowners' association board of directors. There were two other homeowners who were similarly appointed (VP & Secretary / Treasurer). I agreed to this because I was an architect. What more qualified professional could there be for said position (other than perhaps an attorney)?
(Keep in mind that this was two decades ago, and as such, our 'hood was demographically much different than it is today.)
In spite of the importance of said position, I cannot tell you how absolutely taken for granted - within this particular volunteer role - I felt during this time of my young man life.
Back in 2002, our 81 lot 'hood was made up of mostly first-time homeowners (the 'hood was, by far, mostly small spec homes). Most of which were purchased during a period of less-than-scrupulous lending practices made manifest by lax regulation / rock-bottom interest rates.
Needless to say, we were a motley crue living in a brand-spanking new development. A development situated within a changing (who knew which way exactly) suburb of Jackson.
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I never once assumed my parents would continue forward with their financial / physical support post college. My dad had made it clear that there was $$$ to pay for my higher education (inheritance from his deceased father), but beyond that, I was expected to, you know, take a permanent leave of absence post college.
It was during my last year of architecture schooling when my parents stepped up to help my deadbeat uncle in light of his addiction to illegal drugs. Essentially, he moved in with us (I was living at home since the 5th year of architecture school resided in Jackson) for many months - post institutional treatment. I remember all of this maneuvering feeling incredibly clinical and contrived as it pertained to the contrast between his own plight and my ready-to-launch young, professional man perch.
What I was too naive to realize was just how much of a sucker I absolutely had been. For my uncle was only playing my parents - this time around, as he did whomever he saw fit - pertaining to his wants / needs (this has gone on ad nauseum ever since).
It was that entitlement that I simply couldn't - under any circumstances - relate to.
Whilst looking back, there was compliant me simply being me taken for granted (& I was perfectly fine with that).
As an early 20's guy, my point of view came with that innocent (ignorant?) season of life.
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The Bible speaks - Jesus specifically addresses - of willingly turning the other cheek. This being the position of submissiveness that is tied to meekness. According to Scripture, its primary purpose is confounding one's enemies via Christ-like kindness.
In line with this, perfectly in line, is one's innate understanding of salvation / transformation in and through the gospel and therefore the gospel's command towards demonstrative evangelism.
This is not taking oneself or Jesus for granted. This is obedience.
In a nutshell, it's commanded that we be allow ourselves to be taken for granted in order to leave plenty of room for the Holy Spirit to convict.
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In-person Samson meetings, at least around these parts, mostly reside within churchhouses. Most of these meetings exist "under the radar" of the church membership. Others are simply shelved (tolerated) alongside the "Celebrate Recovery" set. The one I facilitated for four years at our church found little to no respect amongst the family of God. And this was no fault of anyone's except the church leadership itself.
For deep down, deep, deep down, the church leadership didn't want us there.
Why?
In-person Samson Society meetings that do their good work within the churchhouse are "unstable elements" that are rooted in very deliberate, emotional recovery work. And church leadership knows this. The meetings can therefore attract the mentally ill and those who're in serious personal crisis. Folks that mainstream churches aren't typically comfortable serving. And this is understandable. I do not admonish nor look down on the church therein.
Yet, the church pews, each & every Sunday, are filled with men who need Samson Society. For I would argue that even a touch of Samson Society can benefit a man's soul. No matter their season of life.
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There're multiple virtual Samson Society meetings available for guys to attend each and every day. Most follow the standard meeting format, though some aren't traditional in that regard. There're book studies, prayer groups, large form intensive Q & A meetings to choose from.
Particularly during the summer, some of these calendared meetings unexpectedly don't happen. For sans a facilitator to open the Zoom meeting, there won't be a meeting during that scheduled date / time. And this leaves Samson guys out in the cold.
Therefore, when a virtual facilitator is faithful to show (or coordinate a substitute), there's a deep-seated sense of respect for that man.
Respect?
Did I really say that?
I did.
& I love it.
It's such a nice change.
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Our 'hood is completely different demographically today that it was decades prior. Our neighbors understand and overall respect the homeowners' association / board of directors and their good / necessary work. Too, the area where our 'hood resides is on the up & up in spite of its '70s / '80s roots.
I look back on the seven years that I served as President - at its outset - with pride. For I know the example I set was foundational to its current success.
And I think the same regarding my role in "Brain Changers". For I am a better facilitator there due to my in-person Samson Society facilitator experience at Lakeside Pres.
Thanks be to God for Samson Society and the blessings that continue to come my way, as a result, each and every day.
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