You can only sell...

This picture brought back memories of my sales days with a startup company years ago. The sales funnel was always on my mind. I started in software development but I was moved to sales because I loved interacting with new people.

Years ago, a close friend who also happened to work at that same startup company as me shared a basic but profound insight. He said, "You can not sell something unless you have experienced the value yourself." In that case, we were talking about an enterprise engineering (really project) management software application. We both tried to locate specific examples of value in the product and then we based our interactions with customers on those areas.

Tonight, I experienced the value of small groups in a fresh way. I haven't been part of a small group in years. I participated in a prayer group at seminary but it wasn't what I would consider a fully functioning small group.

I gathered with a group tonight and we experienced the best of getting together in the name of Christ.

- introductions with life stories
- a well led discussion on a hard-hitting topic based in Scripture
- a leader who guided the discussion and knew what he was doing
- differing opinions and follow-up points
- good food
- a prayer time that included honest sharing from the heart
- laughter and a "buzz" of excitement during the hang-time afterwards
- new perspectives that wouldn't come on my own
- a sense of mission and purpose in why God had called the group together (beyond an inward focus)

I walked away energized and ready to continue in what God has called me to do - to encourage, lead and equip disciples in community to engage our Internet-driven culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I experienced the value.

I want to share that value (sell it) and invite others to enter into God's working and life-giving influence (or the kingdom of God).