The Strength in Checking In
Religion & Liberty Online

The Strength in Checking In

As an older teen and early twenty-something I hated checking in. I thought telling others where I was or what I was up to was a sign of dependence and immaturity. In my invincible state of mind, I did not see the dangers and pitfalls of being completely on my own. I saw our natural human need to look out for each other as a weakness and not the strength that it is.

Allowing others a window into our lives by checking in is wisdom. Not only does it give the ones who care about us insight into what we are dealing with so they can be a help to us, but it also allows us to process our own experiences by putting our life into words. That is why this summer we have been forming the On Call in Culture Check In Team—to allow those who want to be On Call in Culture the ability to connect with others who value bringing God glory through their work as well as the opportunity to see what they are doing daily as God’s work in the world.

We are so proud of the Check In Team for sharing what they are up to in culture through the big and small things God has them doing. Recently we asked the team to share what being on the Check in Team was doing to help them see their work as God’s work in the world. Here is what Jim and Charity had to share:

“Being a part of the Check In Team for On Call in Culture allows me to reflect on the broader value of my work and consider new connections in the moment and for the future.” Jim Schmotzer

“Being part of the check in team for OnCallInCulture has given me a new mindfulness that what I am doing, at all times, matters to God. Since we typically check in during the business day, I have especially been encouraged by the connection between my work and God’s care for culture.” Charity Singleton

If you are not yet a part of the Check In Team be sure to join and receive weekly reminders to check in on what you are doing to be On Call in Culture. If you are part of the team, consider inviting a friend or two to join you as well.

Mindy Hirst

Mindy Hirst is co-founder of Generous Mind, a think tank devoted to helping people be generous with their ideas. She is also a founder of the On Call In Culture community.