Listening to Discern a Vision

Any process to determine a vision for the future must include a way to describe current reality. The essential method of describing current reality is to listen to people’s stories.  For example, the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has been invited to a time of intentional listening to each other. It is the ongoing result of the Just Resolution following a formal complaint brought against the Rev. Larry Sonner for performing a same sex marriage ceremony last year.  A part of the Just Resolution called for listening.  (The Just Resolution can be found at:  http://www.iaumc.org/newsdetail/774125)

I have participated in two such meetings. One was with a group called the “Wesley Club of Iowa” and the other with a group called, “Do No Harm.”  Both groups have posted recordings of these sessions on the internet. “Wesley Club of Iowa” at the Altoona United Methodist Church:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntN7Nl41AKQ and “Do No Harm” at the Iowa Conference Center in Des Moines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5RoqIYdev0&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop)

I share these links with you so that you can also listen and be part of the conversation. I believe that relationships are everything and that our relationship with God should shape our relationships with other people.  I have a vision for our church and our families that God will shape our relationships to allow for conversations about how we live together when we differ. I appreciate a quote from Susan Scott that “the conversation is the relationship.”  I have been in other settings and seen persons from these two groups interacting with each other and working together for a common goal. That gives me hope because we must work together if we are to be effective in addressing all of the suffering in the world today.   

I envision a church where we can have a conversation about the deepest issues that divide us because Jesus unites us. Even when we disagree, I believe that Jesus holds us together. God embraces us even if we don’t embrace each other. Jesus invites us to His table and it is only Jesus that can keep us at the table. I believe that listening to God and listening to each other is part of how we will discern a vision for where God will lead us next.  What do you think?