The Unintended Message of Worry

Every term of leadership contains challenges. The church is always in a period of discernment - as it should be. Context is always changing. New questions of discernment constantly emerge.

This is why I think one of the greatest gifts a leader can provide is a display of non-anxious presence. A non-anxious presence is rooted in confidence that God will provide what the church needs to faithfully discern and make the necessary changes.

I was reminded of this at a workshop hosted by Emerging Voices Initiative (EVI). This young adult initiative began in November 2015, when Mennonite Church Canada faced a substantial donation revenue shortfall and was forced to reduce staff and program. Their concern for the church resulted in considerable conversation and a commitment to engage in the work of the Future Directions Task Force. Their enthusiastic participation in the issues facing the church is heartening for me as it is for many people.

One of the questions the EVI leaders are asking workshop attendees is: "What do you want to say to the leaders of Mennonite Church Canada?"

This is the gift being offered. For leaders interested in the thoughts of others it is a precious gift whenever people express themselves.

One of the first responses to this question has reinforced my determination to resist fear and panic in these changing times. The young adult voice walked up to the microphone and after glancing in my direction said, "the church will be okay.”

Indeed! What a message for leadership to hear: The church will be okay. It is both a message of hope and chastisement.

What message do we communicate to our youth and young adults when we express panic and fear about the state of the church? The underlying statement of fear and panic is that we do not trust our youth and young adults to carry on the faith.

Confidence in our youth and young adults would echo the statement offered at the EVI workshop. The church will be okay, because God is at work in our youth. The church will be okay because our youth and young adults are dreaming dreams and seeing visions. God is at work, even if as leaders, we don't always perceive it.

A confidence in God expects the Spirit of God to be at work beyond our comprehension. A confidence in God anticipates that our youth and young adults will see things we do not see.

The church of the future is the church informed by the past but embracing the developing expression of the leaders forming in our midst.

I am confident that our faith is finding new expression.

Open yourself up to possibilities not seen before: possibilities articulated and envisioned by our youth and young adults.

Upcoming EVI Workshops and locations in Nov./Dec.

When The People Speak

As a church leader, I often find myself being quoted. But it is important to acknowledge that my words are often inspired by what I have heard others say. Conversations are always a gift. Sharing perspectives and insights are acts of generosity; we are richer because of it.

I was reminded of this again when I was asked to serve as a Commissioner at the Saskatchewan Citizens’ Hearing on Climate Change in November, 2013. After hearing twenty hours of presentations, I felt very enriched. Each presenter brought a unique perspective out of a common concern. The environment has become unstable. The earth needs to be defended. Our children need proactive leadership to protect their future. Our standard of life should not sacrifice their quality of life.

Citizens had organized and offered practical insights. All requested concrete action from their leaders. The final report was released in April and deserves attention.

The Saskatchewan Citizens’ Hearing reminded me of the church. Gathered discernment is a clear Anabaptist value. Early Anabaptists believed there is a special manifestation of the Sprit of Christ when the people of God gather in worship and discernment. They took Matthew 18:20 seriously: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

As a community of Anabaptist/Mennonite congregations in the 21^st century, we still take this verse seriously. Although there are many ways to hear God’s voice, scripture reminds me that God often speaks through people.

As the church in cities, towns, and counties across provinces, we have been discerning together. The Being a Faithful Church process and the Future Directions Task Force both function with the belief that when the People of God gather in worship and discernment, God will be in their midst and from within the prayerful conversations together will speak.

It is an exciting process. It requires faith and trust that God will flow through the gathered community. When the Spirit of God stirs our hearts, the voice of elder wisdom and youthful ideal blend together in a rich expression of worship. We discern together because we love God together. We love God together because it is in one another where we see and experience our Risen Lord.

That is why I am excited about our Assembly this summer in Winnipeg, July 3-6. I have enjoyed the worship of many of our congregations since serving as Executive Director of Mennonite Church Canada. The variety of expression, the diversity of gifts, and the multiplicity of expressed passion reflects the joy of unity: a unity of love for God in multiple fashions. It is clear evidence that God is alive and the Spirit of God is active.

So when such richness is experienced from visiting individual congregations, imagine the opulent worship and passion that will be experienced when these congregations gather together. When the People of God gather, especially in times of uncertainty and change, it is a concrete reminder that we are not alone. People of God desire to bring out the best in one another. We are reminded of God’s presence in every handshake, every smile, every hug, and especially in every song we sing together.

I can hardly wait to hear the people speak, for then I will hear the voice of God.

Please bring your voice to the table by registering for Assembly 2014 – Wild Hope: Faith for an Unknown Season.