As advances in technology and communication connect people around the globe as never before, the world is becoming ‘flat.’, so writes columnist Thomas Friedman. Thus, it has been said by others, we are living in a ‘New Now’. Although this emerging world is exciting and filled with possibilities, many greet it with fear and anxiety. As this new world emerges, as with every realization of always-changing times, it brings new questions and opportunities for our life together in our congregations and presbytery.
In the ‘New Now’, connected to events and ideas by E-mail and the Internet, how do we stay connected to our own spiritual centers? As more and more information comes abundantly available, how do we discern the best and most responsible ways to care for ourselves and one another? In a ‘New Now’ world, how do we maintain traditions we hold dear and yet at the same time allow for the newness emerging amidst our common life?
In the time I have been here with you in the Presbytery of Scioto Valley, I have been searching for a few “nuggets of gold,” both from mining my own stream of experiences and from gleaning the wisdom of others, Through the years, I have learned, unlearned, and modified these nuggets into several basic beliefs about life in the church, which are listed below. They come from many workshops attended, and authors and pastors with whom I’ve spent important time. I welcome your responses, agreements, disagreements, and insights for the welfare of our common life together.
It is important to see that by far the majority of issues and dilemmas have more than one right answer, way or process. As the cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien has said in terms of facing difficult questions, it is crucial to be “open to outcomes, not attached to it.” Consequently, when two or three (or more) are joined in open, honest conversation, the opportunity often presents itself to facilitate the emergence of creative possibilities. When that happens, Christ is uniquely in the midst of those who openly seek God’s way.
Life in “New Now’ demands creative involvement with others, whether in a supportive and honest group, or as a body of believers, in order to make wise decisions. We are not on the journey of faith alone, nor do we make decisions in a vacuum. Creativity, wisdom, and genius are cultivated in relationships.
Life together in “New Now’ involves the art of living with and asking open, honest, and sometimes difficult questions, for questions have the power to start a person or a community on a quest. In his memoir, Night, Elie Wiesel wrote about an old teacher who gave the following response when asked by a young student why he prayed: “I pray to the God within me that He will give me strength to ask the right questions.” Faithful congregations live with a steady diet of conversation amongst themselves, and God within, as a source of guidance. There, they hear the soulful questions to ask and receive the courage to nurture a Spirit of inquiry and compassion.
Chaos plays an important part not only in the spiritual and emotional development of individuals, but also in the evolution of congregations. Theologically, chaos in not the opposite of God, but another face of the Divine. Therefore, effective leaders and faithful congregations accept chaos as part of the journey, aware that it is a necessary part of the creative process.
Faithful Congregations living in the “New Now” know themselves. In many ways, knowledge of ‘who you are and whose you are’ is as important as what it is you do. Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary General of the United Nations, wrote, “The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside.” There is surprisingly little difference between becoming a faithful follower of Jesus and becoming a fully integrated human being.
Perhaps, as a presbytery living in the “New Now’, a new journey has begun. Through our collective attentiveness and intentional actions, the wisdom of the Spirit within us and the voice of God are emerging in new ways, reshaping the landscape and the luggage we carry with us.
As we continue to discern God’s will and Spirit in our midst, and the new directions we are being lead, 2007 looks to be a time of adventure ahead of us. Or, as one anonymous writer put it: “The trip becomes ‘a journey’ after you have lost your luggage.”
So, finally, in the “New Now; already upon us, may you have a happy and blessed year, seeking and following the path God sets for you and your loved ones.
