returning to the church in a new way...

                

Over this past month I have been a part of a fascinating new process - at least it's new for me: interviewing for a transitional ministry position in this general area. Previously in four separate searches, my goal was to discern where my heart, soul, gut, and research might meet God's Holy Spirit in pursuit of a full time position. That took our small family all over the country from Saginaw, MI and Tucson, AZ to two Cleveland, OH and Pittsfield, MA. Exploring a church assignment in that incarnation was all about logistical considerations including schools for our daughters, demographics, local/denominational politics, collegiality, affordability, finances, and so much more.

This time around, however, most of those externals are irrelevant: we already have a sweet home, we're rooted within a constellation of friends, we're close to our children and grandchildren, have a satisfying relationship with both our doctors and many of the local movers and shakers, and know the artistic community reasonably well. The four variables to this quest are: 

1) what relatively short-term tasks need to be accomplished in each congregation?

2) what financial package is on the table?

3) how far away am I willing to drive on a regular basis?

4) how much conflict needs to be addressed in each of these very different faith communities?

That's a whole other kettle of fish, yes? As many know, I never anticipated finding myself in a situation where my retired self still has marketable skills in the ever changing landscape of churches in transition. After an intensive, ecumenical training course in ways to collaborate and support these congregations, however, I am learning that this old dog still has a few years to share creativity and compassionate. Given the fact that fewer and fewer young people are entering ministry, more and more people have abandoned religion, and a batch of churches have lost their long term pastor to retirement it feels like a good time to reconnect. This is the season for a casually contemplative focus alongside skill in managing conflict, and a tender sense of humor.

This return seems an organic way of participating in culture change and political resistance to the cruel and divisive agenda of the MAGA era as well. Since before the Covid lockdown, we've been making music as part of our small scale cultural revolution: playing for free in a variety of settings not only nourishes good vibes but gets different folk singing with one another. Physicians have learned that when a crowd of people starts to sing together, it doesn't take long before their hearts are beating together as one in a shared rhythm. A recent article in The Atlantic put it like this: in this era of anger and anxiety, are we ripe for small alternatives grounded in solidarity and tenderness? I think so - and I'm going back into the fray to see what solace I might share. I'll keep you posted as the New Year unfolds.