I hope to see some of you on Tuesday at 7 pm for the 9th week of our Faith Study, The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. Some of us will gather in-person in the MacKinnon Chapel and others will join us via the ZOOM platform https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88522517327 Meeting ID: 885 2251 7327. This week, we are focused on the May chapter. You don’t need to read the book or attend any other session to join. Everyone is welcome to join us.
My approach to faith studies is a lot like my approach to preaching, attempt to connect with people where they are, share where I am, and together find ways to grow, fully aware the Spirit is with us. It is important to acknowledge and affirm we are a United Church congregation. Sometimes people will suggest a resource that is way outside the theological spectrum of our denomination. I do include books by authors who are more conservative than me, like N.T Wright, because he is such a great scholar. Wright’s theology, in my view, still within the spiritual family tree of our church founders. But there are limits.
When I look at some United Church websites, I see a very narrow theological spectrum represented, a view very much in line with mine. Preaching to the converted or using a study to move others to my own POV can be a satisfying exercise. Because I attempt to have conversations with a wide range of people, I end up talking about God, faith, and discipleship with persons who have very compelling stories to tell. I want to capture these narratives, so others can hear them, so we collectively can learn from one another. I think this is one reason these studies attract 20-30 people per session. People want to be heard.
They also enjoy hearing others share their faith journey. I see my role, as facilitator, less as “you should believe like me” and more, “let’s listen to another way Christians make sense of this complicated and complex world”. There are boundaries, I will step in if we reach those (not so much “judgement”, we all judge what is right/wrong, more concerning are words that wound the wounded). I am very sensitive to this concern.
Part of my approach is, “to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable”. Part of growth is to absorb new information, listen to each other. I hope these studies offer these opportunities.