Last Sunday’s “Mapping the Future” workshop. To begin, Louise introduced us to the Strategic Planning process. She mentioned this is not a quick, get it done today process, but could take months, even a year. Over the course of that time, it is hoped that a plan about the future will come into view. It is hoped that this plan will provide some confidence among the members about the future. You might say the fears and concerns about the future will gradually give way to the hopes and dreams of the members. She likes the word “workshop” because this process will take effort (monthly meetings), plus the intentional sharing of your real fears, honest hopes, and boldest ideas. On Sunday, after the group of 30 were divided into small groups, the work began.
Thanks to Val, Diane, Leslie and Louise for their capable leadership of each group. Next week, every member of the congregation will receive a summary of last Sunday’s conversations. The next workshop is scheduled for March 30th.
Sunday’s workshop reminded me of Richard Rohr’s five stages of change. These stages take place in all religious and cultural institutions. I think they reflect
the history of any church. These stages assume the presence of a mission field and God’s presence calling people to gather.
Stage 1 – All things begin small, usually one person. Let’s celebrate Rev. Karl Schmidt.
Stage 2 – The Holy Spirit blows creative energy into this stage. It is an exciting movement.
Stage 3 – Humans take control of the energy, and they unfortunately create an institution.
Stage 4 – The original vision for taking risks is gone and the church becomes a monument.
Stage 5 – Preserving the monument turns what was once a great adventure into a memory.
Let’s pray that the monthly workshops might lead
to a renewed sense of Stage 2.
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