Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Large Group Dynamics


Large Group Dynamics

Traveling together with two hundred people comes with some interesting dynamics that should be predictable but often catches some people unsuspecting. When you consider that every stop requires time. Stopping to eat means loading up 200 people on busses, unloading, filing into a restaurant, being served, waiting for everyone to complete their dinner, then loading up the bus again. Even a simple bathroom break can take a half hour given the number of toilets available and the amount of time individuals require to “do their duty.”

Stress is also a factor when traveling. Being in the Texas heat at Six Flags was physically stressful and our northern bodies are not used to activity in 90+ degree heat and humidity. With larger groups there is a lot of noise. People talking, background music, and ambient noise all contribute to the brain having to process loads of information and that causes stress.

By the time we got to the hotel last night, a lot of people just wanted to get to their room and relax. Bodies pushing against each other, bags getting in the way everywhere, waiting for elevators; all contribute to occasional outbursts, impolite comments, and general anxiety of being in an unfamiliar place both physically and emotionally.

For the most part, we are doing quite well. I believe we have done a good work in developing community as a group and have emphasized the need for patience and understanding given some extraordinary circumstances that might be new to a few people. Our Lutheran theology of grace plays a big role in how we approach not just traveling with many people but also out interaction with life. We often can’t control our surroundings but we can influence the environment in a positive way when we practice those traits of mercy, compassion, kindness, and empathy.

We have more days ahead and we will encounter 30,000 people in one metropolitan region. We will have many more opportunities to practice our faith. But God has indeed blessed us and has taught us the spirit of gratitude in all things. Praise God for these valuable life lessons!


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