So, we are trying to tackle this assignment - here at Haven. We are dividing it up and sharing the research load with the whole consistory for two reasons. First, dude, it is a huge assignment! Not only are there a ton of significant areas to dig into, but we have to multiply it all by 5 in order to mimic my kids when they were little (you need to read Leading Congregation Change to get that...).
More important, however, we want them all to be part of the process of coming to grips with the reality we are living today. I was struck by that reality as we tried to practice much of what we have been learning at a "come to Jesus" meeting last week.
Anyway, we are on the journey...
Blessings,
brian
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Brian seems to be dominating the conversation. Is this surprising to anyone? All kidding aside, I appreciate your input, Brian.
ReplyDeleteI am encouraged and excited about how "the conversation" is impacting the life of our church. There is something going on, and even though I can't put a finger on it, I see a desire to grow which is manifesting itself in all sorts of unique and unexpected ways. There is no lack of anxiety, that's for sure, but the anxiety is helping to breed further conversation.
For example, our Ridder leadership team met a few weeks after the retreat to debrief and discuss our future together. I anticipated meeting 4-5 times between now and our retreatin October. They decided to meet every other week and were willing to become "a community of grace and truth." Our agenda for the next few months is to live into personal transformation by sharing how we are learning to live into radical obedience, reflective lifestyle, and growing/acquiring a community of grace and truth (beyond simply our group). Every other week! I can't believe it. There seems to be a real desire to live into this and to move beyond the transmission of information (opinions, thoughts, discussions, etc.) and dive into practice. This means accountability which definitely is a tension creator.
It's hard, though. It's humbling. It's not always fun to admit your disobedience and to 'work' on this WITH others. It is comfortable knowing that others are blissfully ignorant of my 'stuff' and being blissfully ignorant of theirs. Yet, that is not the truth and if there is one thing I am becoming convinved of is the need to tell/live into the truth of who I am. Not pretty, but becoming prettier as I go. (Yes, I did just use 'pretty' to describe myself. Few men can.)
I also invited our pastor's group to read this book together and discuss. We met yesterday for the first time and it was frustrating and enlightening to begin this conversation in this environment. My anxiety was increased, but it was good. In no way am I criticizing any of their perspectives, but I am excited by the tension created through our conversations. We concluded by discussing how important it is that we have these conversations and how important it is that we live into following Jesus instead of simply telling others how to do it. It was good and it was true.
Practicing not walking the journey alone,
chip