I write this note while flying over the beauty and majesty of the mountains of British Columbia, marveling at God and that another assembly is done. For months, people kept saying to me, “If you get elected, my prayers are with you since this assembly will be a difficult one.” In the end, the 141st General Assembly proved to be one of the most personally moving assemblies I have ever attended.
The worship services were powerful, inspiring and gave us insight into how we might practice Christian community together. Our international, ecumenical and interfaith speakers, along with those who had been at the Truth and Reconciliation events, shared moving testimonies of our calling beyond our own denominational concerns. We are a Christian community far beyond being Presbyterian and we have much to learn from each other.
There blossomed a level of authentic, respectful, honest conversation beyond what I have experienced in a long time. I wish you could have seen the commissioners at their tables of eight, leaning in toward one another as they were directed to respond to questions regarding human sexuality. Many overcame their discomfort and anxiety for the sake of their group. I saw tears at some tables and others providing compassionate responses. When I had conversations with those who have a different position than mine, I was moved by their willingness to stand firm for what they believed but not in a way that made me feel condemned for my opposite view. Prayers were crafted, notes were taken, tears and laughter were spontaneously shared and together we began our denomination’s year of “listening and conversation.”
Authentic community is open, raw and not without conflict. Several debates stirred strong feelings, but all the while we found a way to stay in community.
Phillip Yancey suggests we are inclined to surround ourselves with the people with whom we want to live, but in actual fact, that is more like a club or clique. Anyone can form a club, but it takes grace, shared vision and hard work to form a community.
We all had the sense this year that we were part of the early stages of an historic moment in our church, no matter what is decided in the future. What will be very important in this coming year is for congregations, presbyteries and others to talk, study and pray together to discern the will of God. To step outside the lines of our own views to listen to our neighbour’s perspective even when they think very differently than us. We need to try to understand what others believe and why they have come to those conclusions. We will need to study God’s word and the material that the church will provide to guide our thinking. We all love Jesus Christ and we all love the Scriptures. We all are part of the Reformed Church family. We must listen to one another and trust that God’s Spirit is in our midst. In doing so, we will practice authentic community.
Jesus set the stage for us. He chose 12 unlikely people to follow him in his mission. They represented diversity of opinion, temperament and style.
Jesus spent many a day trying to coach them. He refereed power struggles and helped them find courage. They did not always do him proud but they did, in the end, help birth the church. In our time and place we too are called to follow Jesus as we share our unique gifts and expertise. Together we will find the way to live out God’s Kingdom now and into eternity.
