Dear Canadians,
Our second major national Summit ended about a month ago in St. Albert, AB. A ripping success, where success was defined as:
Clarifying and communicating the emerging vision,
Embodying a different way of leading and belonging together,
Building momentum and invitation around the movement.
We’re sifting through the amazing feedback that the attendees gave. Many folks offered very positive comments about the planning and implementation of our days together. Very helpful: “an ecosystem of belonging; leading by example, with humility; hopeful energy.” Equally helpful were those comments about what we could do better, where we missed the mark a little bit. Notwithstanding the careful work of the planning team, some issues were noted: there were some folks who felt they hadn’t been given enough context; some of the workshops seemed rushed; there seemed to be an overall desire to have more documents available (beforehand) to tell of some of the decisions that have been made; a greater explanation of what the benefits of joining such an association are for individual congregations. Some disagreed with the direction.
These are very legitimate concerns, and this is not just “hanging out dirty laundry.” We hear you. We don’t have everything figured out; we are making mistakes as we build the bridge while walking on it. Hearing and listening to critiques without being defensive but being in a posture of humility, ready to be told: “You can be and do better, and here’s how” by people who love God and love his people, can only make everyone stronger. Without listening to and interacting with legitimate disagreement, we build walls and boundaries. Learning to live with disagreement, working inside of it, working inside of diversity, leads to an expansive view and life of love and grace. And that’s what God calls us to.
In future newsletters, we will continue to share more of what the Board and other volunteers are doing as we move forward, firm in the knowledge of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Oh, one thing: on Oct. 10 and Oct. 15, several folks on the Board held zoom calls with representatives for several churches that wished to have more information on disaffiliation and the process of discerning their futures. Invariably, these are difficult, complex and ultimately hopeful conversations, filled with the desire to do God’s will and work. Readers are welcome to connect with us to get access to the documents referred to in those zooms.
I do want to leave you with the speech that our chair, Everett Vanderhorst, gave at the end of the Summit. He tied loose ends together, he shared spirit-filled hope and introduced some others involved in Toward Canada to share some thoughts, dreams and challenges. (Video Link)
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
