What Lens? Presbytery Futuring....

While many were waiting to see if the infamous new “nfog” was going to pass, we were listening to people across the Synod asking the same questions over and over again. The questions weren’t identical, but all were about things like presbytery identity, funding, filling committees, leadership, funding, future of the denomination, reaching new people, funding...and ultimately: faithfulness and discipleship.

In spite of all of the surface questions, Presbyterians across our region are  wondering what it means to be faithful as individuals and congregations right now.  How can we live together in ways that make a difference in the lives of others, in the life of the world –not to mention our own? How can we live together, in the midst of some fairly strong differences within our own congregations and presbyteries? Many know that “we’ve always done it that way before” isn’t going to cut it, but still aren’t sure what will!

Instead of keeping the questions and conversations separated, a planning team of Synod Staff and several Presbytery Executives got together to design a gathering where representatives from presbyteries could come and listen to one another, and begin to think about addressing common questions in new ways – and even, maybe, possibly - to address them in ways that invited different kinds of partnerships between and among presbyteries or congregations.

Everyone came! EVERYONE! And we shared much about one another. Some took important plans and ideas home – and we know it was just a beginning.

KEY for those who participated was the opportunity to hear from and talk with others about strengths, needs, questions, vision, prayers and concerns…..

KEY as well was a DVD we watched together called “Everyday Creativity.” It revolves around the work of National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones, and his approach to photography.  “Everyday Creativity”  lays the ground work for getting one, if not both feet out of the proverbial box, and for NOT being stymied by the tough stuff!   Viewers are encouraged to:

• See that creativity is a matter of perspective
• See that there is always more than one right answer
• Break old patterns and experiment with new ways
• Reframe problems into opportunities

What a challenge to us as we take a “new lens” to the ways in which we answer Christ’s call!

Our prayers as we go forward are that we keep the conversations going and the doors open to God and one another—experimenting and taking risks for the sake of Christ’s kingdom come! The way may not be clear, but the One whom we follow goes before us.  And THAT is more than enough certainty and security –is it not?