Post on 17-Jan-2017
Because doing should arise out of
being — what we do
out of who we are
At once, the spirit drove him out into the wilderness…
Because different voices are heard in the wilderness: • In the city, position matters, and those in charge lead.
• In the wilderness both angels and demons speak freely.
• In the marketplace everything has a price.
• In the wilderness money is worthless
• At the council table, those invited can vote
• In the wilderness that which is missing is counted
• Other?
At once, the spirit drove him out into the wilderness…
At once, the spirit drove him out into the wilderness…
In the wilderness,
process matters.
Developing a process for finding our
way is more important than having goals or a destination
“Discernment is not
knowing the difference
between right and wrong. It’s knowing
the difference between right and almost
right.”Charles Spurgeon
…and keeping faith when things are ambiguous
Clergy Itinerate: They move from congregation to congregation, sharing with each the common
understandings about faith and order that are held across the denomination
Congregations Locate: They become rooted in their context, discovering how to be the kind of church that is vital and transformative for their
community
How do we set a table in the wilderness so that those who are located and those who are itinerant can see God’s vision
together?
[The Kingdom of God] is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all
garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Mark 4:31
roots - trunk - leaves - birds
Roots: Have been at the church for a long time. They bring wisdom as to what works here, knowledge of people and resources, and an intuitive understanding of this congregation’s
culture and specific mission.
Branches and Leaves: Move from congregation to congregation, bringing to the table ideas that
they have seen working elsewhere, and a broader definition of church and mission.
roots - trunk - leaves - birds
Trunks: Have some experience other congregations, but enough time in this
congregation to be respected. They help the varied people at the table hear each other.
roots - trunk - leaves - birds
TendenciesVirtues Faults
Roots Follow-through Change Resistent
Leaves Innovation Resource Poor
Trunks Communication Sidelined
How you actually behave depends upon your temperament and maturity
Who are the Birds?[The Kingdom of God] is like a
mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when
planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with
such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”Mark 4:31
ImplementationRange
ProcessTime
Leadership expectation
Authority Soon Short Decisiveness
Majority Weeks or Months Medium Fairness
Discernment Long Long Resource provider
3 ways to make a decision
The process needs to be in place before the decision is needed.