Since my coaching journey with TCI, I find myself growing daily in my desire and ability to connect deeply and meaningfully with people.
I am beginning to think this is another aspect of my calling unfolding.
For the last 18 months, my church family has been in the wilderness of transition. Some individuals have felt deeply hurt and estranged by the changes, and have not been coming regularly.
Today, two of our dearest members announced that they were leaving the congregation.
With "the map is not the territory" firmly in mind, I will not presume to know what has led to their decision.
What I am thinking of is instead how to make our opening service in two weeks' time a smooth-run affair that will allow us to celebrate and give thanks and share the day with friends and family meaningfully, with as few hiccups as possible.
Especially as my pastor and his wife are overseas till just before the service.
I want them to return to find that everything is ready - the Admin office is functioning properly, all RSVPs are accounted for, there are no embarrassing mix-ups on the day, and that we are all still friends.
This last bit I think has been particularly noticeable.
As the redevelopment project got closer to completion, tensions seemed to heighten, relationships frayed and the unity of the church family has come under threat.
Going forward, I believe we will need a time of healing and reconciliation to properly enjoy our new spiritual home. We need to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Confessions. Apologies. Giving and receiving forgiveness and grace.
Maybe even washing one another's feet as my Catholic friends practised at uni.
Learning new and more positive and life-enhancing ways to communicate.
Setting up systems to minimise misunderstanding.
I can see my job description enlarging by necessity in the days ahead, at least until we have the personnel and the systems to make our church life simpler and more effective.
Going even further, I see us actively welcoming new families who do not have our shared history and sense of belonging, and helping them to begin experiencing the sense of having found a new spiritual home.
Exciting times indeed. Praise God!
