The Two Luke’s and Belonging
Photo Credit: Fujiphilm
Recently I visited beautiful western North Carolina and had a chance to reconnect with some college friends and their families. I was struck by the insights of a couple of young adults I met.
The first attends high school with my friend’s daughter. Toward the end of the school year Luke put himself forward to take on the role of president for a career-focused youth organization. As part of the process he was interviewed by a panel of adults and asked to share his vision for the group. He expressed a desire to seek out students who did not have many friends so they could become part of the community, get involved and have fun, and he had specific ideas about where to find them and how to extend a welcoming invitation. I was so impressed with his heart to draw those on the outskirts into community as active members.
A few days later, I joined another two sets of friends for dinner. We asked their children which classes they liked in school and why those subjects resonated with them. With the older children we branched out into their thoughts about possible career paths. I posed the question, “What problem in the world would you want to solve?” to a second Luke, also a junior in high school. He closed his eyes and lifted his head for a few beats in contemplation. Then he said he’d like there to be more unity in the church, across denominations. I was stunned!
The simple and clear motivation to bring people together was moving, with the first Luke, to see individuals perhaps on the fringe be brought into fellowship and with the second Luke, to see branches of a faith tradition connecting in deeper and more meaningful ways despite their differences.
Leaders, how aware are you of any members not fully integrated into your team? Belonging is a basic human need. It has been said, “We’re all born looking for someone looking for us.” People won’t stay long or be fully engaged in a place where they are not welcome. What steps can you take now to recognize and connect with those who may not feel fully part of your team?
The passion of the two young Luke’s on this topic is an inspiring reminder that we each face choice points daily on whether and how to receive others into the fold and that even small choices can create powerful ripple effects for ourselves, our teammates and our organizations.