One of my
greatest joys is good conversation, the kind of discussion that allows me to
engage with ideas and issues in an open and honest way. I find that it is in
conversation I can move a leadership vision from a vague notion to clarity.
When I am troubled, conversation helps me to put my concerns in perspective.
I love
asking questions, finding out the “why” behind people’s opinions and feelings.
The stories that people tell are often metaphors for how they view life or have
experienced it. I listen to the stories to understand the speaker.
I am
excited as we begin fall programing at Brighton First because I will have the
opportunity to engage with many church members in good conversation. On
Wednesday nights, I will be leading Disciple I Bible Study. In this 32-week
course we will read 80% of the Bible, but the course is much more than this. We
will engage in weekly conversation and explore what it means to be disciples of
Jesus Christ.
On Monday
evenings, once per month, Stephanie Nichoff and I will lead a conversation
about breads of the faith. I am looking forward to hosting this gathering at my
home, where we will share in “table fellowship.”
In
addition, I will be leading studies at Advent and Lent, and I will be looking
for opportunities to be in conversation with individual members of the
congregation. I am interested in life stories and faith journeys.
Some of the
most powerful teachings from the Bible come in story form, from the stories of
Genesis and Exodus to the Gospels and the Book of Acts. To read the stories and
wrestle with them is to be in holy conversation.
To hear one
another’s stories and to hold each other’s disappointments and hopes is to be
in holy conversation. If you, like me, long for conversation, join a class or
group at First or gather friends and family for talk around the dinner table.
Conversation in community is a holy act and Christ is present.
No comments:
Post a Comment