Editorial by Marjory Zoet Bankson, Faith At Work Magazine, Volume 108, Number 4 (Winter 1995)
"Have you changed churches?" her note asked. "No and yes," I replied. "Each of the little churches formed out of Church of the Saviour (CoS) has incorporated separately this year, like healthy plants moving from a greenhouse into the field."
In this day of mergers, buyouts and layoffs, CoS is living into the biblical story of conscious dying, trusting God for resurrection in new forms. We do not know what the future will look like, but we know God has been faithful in the past. Many individuals and churches have been inspired by Elizabeth O'Connor's books (now on tape through FAW) and many have visited through Wellspring, Ministry of Money and the Servant Leadership School. Those ministries will continue.
When CoS began in 1947, the hope was to call forth a dedicated priesthood out of ordinary people. In the 50s, our journey inward was anchored by purchase of a 220-acre working farm which became Dayspring and Wellspring retreats. Community developed at the headquarters building, an old brownstone on Mass Avenue in Washington, DC, guided by the co-founders, Gordon and Mary Cosby. Outreach began with a coffeehouse (The Potters House) on Columbia Road where each night was staffed by a different mission group.
In the 60s, CoS kept the Potters House open after civil riots decimated the neighborhood and FLOC (For Love of Children) was birthed to do something about unwanted children in the District. FLOC incorporated as a non-profit agency and included people from other churches--an outgrowth of our ecumenical identity.
As many churches adopted small groups for Bible study and fellowship during the 70s, CoS asked for more commitment and required every member to be in a mission group. Rather than grow larger and more centralized, Gordon's vision was to stay small and poor, so in 1976, six little churches formed around housing (Jubilee), children (Seekers), hospitality (Potters House), polyculturalism (8th Day), public policy (Dunamis) and retreat (Dayspring). Although Gordon continued to preach at the ecumenical service where many visitors came, membership in CoS meant joining one of the little churches. In the last 20 years, Dunamis ended and 4 more churches were born out of a call to new missions: New Community (renewing the neighborhood at 16th and S), Christ House (healthcare for the homeless), Lazarus House (post-AA recovery) and Festival Church (Servant Leadership School).
Each little church developed a distinctive style of worship, preparation for membership and mission. The level of commitment and emphasis on the inward/outward journey is still a common thread. The Seekers, where my husband Peter and I belong, is the "children's church," with a strong program for youth and a congregation of adults involved in many forms of child advocacy here and abroad. Worship is designed and led by a mission group and preaching is done by different people. Leadership and initiative is based on call and gifts rather than credentials and job descriptions. Although we value seminary education as we value other graduate training among our members, no single person is in charge. Those called to core membership make a public commitment every year to care for the spiritual life of the whole body.
As we approach the 50th (Jubilee) year of Church of the Saviour, we are conscious of dramatic shifts in the wider church. While a few megachurches are attracting thousands, many smaller churches are closing because they can't support a full-time pastor. The status quo is crumbling. Change is constant. Some call it the Day of Division. Others see it as a New Reformation. As we look toward the future, FAITH AT WORK will keep you posted on the seeds of renewal that God has planted in hearts everywhere.
May this Christmas season be a time of rebirthing Christ in your own life once again.
"Divide to Multiply" - Editorial by Marjory Zoet Bankson, Faith At Work Magazine, Volume 108, Number 4 (Winter 1995)
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