Reflections from the April 25 Presbytery meeting
I heard repeated several times again this weekend how wonderful it is to be part of our presbytery. For some it is a comparative analysis relative to experiences elsewhere. For some it is simply an expression of what they sense when they come for the first time. I have only ever been a member of this presbytery. Though some considerable experience at the General Assembly level and attending seminary in another part of our country listening to colleagues inclines me toward much gratitude for our life together, as well.
As I reflect on this grace filled experience we share, it seems to me it has much to do with some simple things. Perhaps, most of all listening to one another and valuing each other for the perspectives and life experiences each has to offer. This past Saturday we listened to youth and celebrated their experiences in service. We listened to echoes of a long ministry. We listened to candidates for ministry and affirmed, challenged, conversed with them about their journeys … and ours. We listened to a devoted member with experience in at least three different congregations of our presbytery share essentially how he has listened over the years and how that shapes the way he lives what he believes. We listened to joys and concerns and progress around policies and priorities. And of course, more than whatever words said however beautifully or not and whatever the decisions made, what makes the difference in any of these instances is ultimately the people valued and relationships cultivated through them.
You know, of course, it is not that we agree on everything or ever should expect to. It is not that we avoided difficult issues in the past that have proven contentious and divisive. It is not that no one has ever been wounded among us.
It is, I sense, an authentic presence of the Spirit alive and active among us … in good Presbyterian fashion. Which means – as members in Marshall described it again yesterday – a certain combination of passionate search for truth, intelligent ways to live into it, and compassionate collaborative respect toward others. In fact, without really knowing it, one member essentially quoted that bit from our Book of Order about truth being “in order to goodness created … the inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty … [and] we also believe there are truths and forms with respect to which [people] of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other.” (Maybe that stuff really is relevant!!)
I think it must have something to do with all of us feeling claimed by Christ – with the sense of loving security and responsibility that entails when we gather … and whatever tempered claims we may make as we work. And just maybe it has something to do with a deep sense of call that echoes in my mind and heart through the ancient words of God’s Spirit: “I therefore … beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
It is a privilege to be part of this covenant community. It is a pleasure to share our witness of goodness to society so desperately needed. I look forward to the all the occasions of our clear, convicted speaking and bold action to come. Before, in, through and beyond it all, I look forward to listening … and pray you will, too. Just maybe we’ll hear Jesus’ voice. Thanks be to God!
