As I finish
the two-year Academy of Congregational Transformation (ACT) training, I have
come to realize that my major shortcoming as a pastor in this process has
been communicating too little about what the process is, and how we are
progressing. I never meant for this whole process to become so quiet. I
find that ironic, since I really prefer for everything to be out in the
open! For some reason, I've forgotten to share all of this with you. Please
forgive me, and charge it to my head and not my heart. So, here's the
beginning of correcting that error.
Those of you who participated in the
Transformation Team may remember that the textbook, Leading Congregational
Change, explains that the whole process is likely to take many years to
complete. I know that I read that and heard that, but it's only in the last
few months that I've really absorbed that. Years. Five to Seven. Years.
There have been times that folks have felt anxious and frustrated with the
slow pace of things (I'm including myself in that.) No wonder! In this
overall culture where advertising promises your life will change immediately
and fantastically when you buy the latest technical gadget, we might forget
that something meaningful takes time. Chrystal Cooper, who is also in the
ACT program, started the Transformation Team just shy of four years ago.
And despite some bumps in the road, we continue on, now with a Vision
Community.
When you look at what the process entails,
it's far from the usual "write a new vision statement and an action plan"
put together in one day. It's far from buying the trendiest church growth
program and plugging it in. This process is based on two things: the
spiritual and relational vitality of the congregation, and the Vision
Community carefully discerning God's vision specifically for our church. For
us to get deeper in our relationships with one another, for us to go deeper
in how we walk and talk our faith together, takes, well…time. |
But having
those deeper and more honest relationships mean that we will know one
another and understand one another better as we come to know God's vision
for our congregation. We will be a stronger force for God. That's
spiritual and relational vitality. To that end, Congregational Care, with
the support of the Deacon's Board, is launching the "Acts 2:42" fellowships,
in which people gather informally in member's homes for light snacks, short
videos, and discussion. Look and listen for more details; we hope to begin
in the spring, after Easter. All are welcome! We especially welcome regular
worship attendees and recent visitors who are not already in a small group
in the church.
The Vision Community met in February. We are
moving toward the stages of gathering information about our church and
Mountlake Terrace.
In the book of Acts, Peter found himself
outside his comfort zone, mingling with Greeks. Paul, once a strict
Pharisee, wrote, "I have become all things to all people, that I might by
all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may
share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:22-23, New Revised Standard
Version). They both became willing to put the gospel first and cultural
identity last, to be free to follow God's plan. Only congregations with
strong connections with one another and with God can be so bold in following
God's vision.
Though it's uncomfortable, we are not on our
time; it's God's time. As much as we love it, it's not our church; it's
God's church. Let us all be patient as we continue to build our spiritual
and relational vitality as a congregation, so that our efforts to follow
God's vision are not in vain.
I ask also that you pray for me during my
two-month sabbatical, as I rest and discern my leadership.
In Christ,
--Angela
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