Concept Nine: Able, trusted servants, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels.
Principle: Ability
While “Service” might also be the principle of Step Twelve, I think that it is appropriate to discuss service and its application here in Concept Nine as well. Especially given that this is where we look at the necessary abilities of a trusted servant for specific tasks and consider how best to choose people for these roles to ensure the service body can function effectively.
I am reminded of when I first came into OA and how I dove headfirst into service! It was my saviour! It kept me accountable! It kept me abstinent! The responsibilities I eagerly took upon myself brought a whole new level of responsibility I had never quite managed before. It gave me a whole new sense of purpose, where I could finally apply my skills to benefit others.
When I look back, however, I realize that jumping in feet-first, especially so early in my recovery, I may have landed a little too hard! I ended up stomping all over everything with very little consideration for what was there before me! I didn’t understand how the program worked, but I still hit the ground running, long before I was adequately prepared! I had so much to learn about my own recovery, but I steamed full course ahead of the Steps that I was just learning to walk. Without a working knowledge of how those Steps worked, their principles, or the Traditions and Concepts of Service, I was really winging it which resulted in multiple disasters and conflict with my fellows.
Service bodies had developed a way of doing things in accordance with their Group Conscience, that had developed over the course of years, that I had no idea even existed. I was utterly dismayed and discouraged when my own ideas were not considered in the way I felt they should be, and stomped away in a huff when they outright refused me!
The Concepts of Service brochure states: “A willing individual is one who might learn the needed skills by working with others for a period of time”. Willingness is often the skill that is most required in any service position, not just to serve, but also to learn, to work together unanimously.
Some members might ‘grow’ into their role especially if they are willing to learn and work with others. Other attributes such as: “Skill, ability, tolerance, responsibility, flexibility and vision” are especially beneficial to those in leadership roles. Other task-specific roles might require experienced members who are experienced in these areas. There are many ways to serve according to our willingness and our ability, especially as it might be defined by the group itself, and the manner in which individuals are chosen to help avert any conflicts that might otherwise arise.
– Anonymous
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