Editorial by Marjory Zoet Bankson, Faith At Work Magazine, Volume 107, Number 4 (Winter 1994)
"Couldn't we just tune it up a little? Adjust the groups? Replace the connections? Set the controls a little tighter? Or does the church have to die in order to find its new form?" Those were my questions as I headed for lunch with Gordon Cosby, founder of Church of the Saviour in Washington DC--where I have been a member nearly 20 years. Wasn't there some way to keep the old and embrace the new as well?
Being grounded in Christ at Church of the Saviour has been important for my freedom to risk and reach out through Faith at Work. Since 1946, this ecumenical church has stood for commitment by every member to a disciplined inner life and to a servant ministry. Every member has a spiritual director and belongs to a mission group. In 1976, as Peter and I arrived, Church of the Saviour divided into six little worshipping communities, each with a separate mission focus. We chose Seekers, where the focus is justice for children--our own and those at risk in society.
As we approached our Jubilee Year, Gordon called us to let go of the current structures and be open to new forms of the Spirit. I wanted to tune-up the connections instead. "You could easily spend the next five years arguing about essential elements," he said over soup, "instead of living out the unique calls that Christ has planted in each little church." I knew he was right about that.
In July, 2/3 of the members voted for movement into separate churches. In August, Seekers had a memorial service to let go of the central church and much to my amazement, new wine began to flow from our grieving process. In my mission group, Learners & Teachers, nine of us began to brainstorm ideas for helping Seekers listen for God's voice. Four themes emerged, which we offered the rest of the congregation in a series of sermons and Tuesday-night discussions: belonging, decision-making, stewardship and space.
The sermon-discussions are being followed by eight weeks of intensive study groups in which people signed up for one of the four basic themes. Last Tuesday was our first session and the dining room was buzzing with excitement. 51 adults attended for dinner and study--approximately 2/3 of our regular congregation! By the end of 8 weeks, we will have specific proposals in each of the four areas for consideration by the church. What felt like death is coming to life again!
Although the topic of this Christmas issue is practical help for "tuning up" our spiritual lives, I can say with confidence that Christ may be calling us to a more radical step than that. Like The Seekers Church, you may discover the seeds of something brand new in your life and in your spiritual community--like the Christchild, born again and again. May God bless these new beginnings!
Editorial by Marjory Zoet Bankson, Faith At Work Magazine, Volume 107, Number 4 (Winter 1994)
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