Susan Seiffert shares her story about how serving as a small group leader at 101 retreats has kept her focused on her transformational process.
Q: How did you first become involved in Faithwalking? When was your first 101 experience and what was your attitude going into the retreat?
SUSAN: I first heard about Faithwalking through several pastors at my church who had attended a 101 retreat and then began the 201 course. I saw the transformation in their lives and desired to see transformation in my own life. I attended a 101 retreat in May 2011. I knew going into the retreat that it was not going to be easy and that I would be facing places of hurt and pain, but I also knew it would be worth it to see transformation in the broken areas of my life.
Q: How did that weekend impact you? What was the greatest takeaway?
SUSAN: The weekend was just the beginning of allowing the Lord to go to places of brokenness and hurt and begin the healing process. Throughout the weekend the Lord showed me places of brokenness and brought me to the realization that first, much of the brokenness was caused by vows or wounds from my past, and not just that I wasn’t good enough or didn’t do everything right. Second, God showed me He could bring healing and wholeness to those areas so I could live out of His wholeness and not my brokenness.
Q: What led you to sign up as a 101 small group leader?
SUSAN: After going through the 201 course, I signed up as a small group leader because I wanted to continue to be involved with Faithwalking but wasn’t ready to be a 201 coach. I felt that I needed to stay involved somehow to keep the transformation alive.
Q: Describe your experience as a 101 small group leader. How does it feel being on the leading side?
SUSAN: The first time I led a small group, I was so afraid I was going to mess up or say the wrong thing. But during my first retreat as a small group facilitator, I came to the realization that I wasn’t responsible for what the participants were experiencing. God was. My part was to share what God was doing in my own life and encourage others to do the same. This took the pressure off of myself and really allowed the Lord to use me to encourage others in the process.
Q: What personal lessons have you learned from being a 101 leader? How has being a 101 leader spurred you on in your own transformational journey?
SUSAN: I have been a small group leader many times and love it. Each time I go, I participate in the lessons and solitude times along with the participants and the Lord continues to meet me there. Sometimes it is new areas of brokenness He is wanting to heal or encouragement in areas where He is currently working. Transformation is a life-long process and it is very easy to get sidetracked when our focus is on other things. Being a small group facilitator at the retreats helps me to stay focused on the journey of transformation. The Lord has also brought me great encouragement through helping others. It is such a blessing to walk with those beginning this journey, allowing God to use me to encourage others to take another step or press in a little deeper to what the Lord is doing in them.
Q: What would you say to someone who is contemplating serving as a 101 leader but may be feeling nervous about it?
SUSAN: Like the Nike slogan says “Just Do It.” It is a great experience! Remember, you are not responsible for what the participants experience. God is. Go and allow the Lord to work and move in you to bless others. Share what the Lord is doing in you and encourage others to share. It is that simple.
