I’m writing this while sitting in the airport waiting for my flight back to Milwaukee. I said that I would try to provide some reactions and reflections on my week at GA.

First, I was impressed by how diverse we are (racially, ethnically, theologically, age) but how much unity was exhibited. People felt free to express divergent opinions (and there were some VERY divergent positions), but they did so respectfully and graciously. There was no name calling, no demonizing, no belittling. It seemed to be understood that we all want to do what God is calling us to do, and while we don’t all agree on what that should be, our desire is what unifies us. I remember the old adage that says it is easier to steer a car that is moving than a car whose engine is turned off. Likewise, it is easier for God to direct us when we are actively following than when we are apathetic and listless. So you should be praying that as the denomination begins to implement the actions taken this week, God will be able to steer us—correcting where we’ve taken a wrong turn and smoothing the way where we’ve taken the right path.

Speaking of diversity, it was encouraging to meet, see, and interact with the YAADs (see yesterday’s entry if you don’t remember what a YAAD is). These young adults have a vibrant faith, tons of energy, and a passion to get things done for God. Many have wisdom far beyond what youth did when I was their age. We heard often and in various ways that those of us who are older and a bit “set in our ways” must think more about the needs and culture of the youth and young adults. We can’t say, “Well, when they are older, then can make the changes they want. Right now, this is ‘our’ church and we’ll do things ‘our’ way.” First, this attitude is neither biblical nor Christian. It isn’t “our” church; it’s the Lord’s church. We aren’t to do things for us; we’re to do them for God. And God doesn’t want us to exclude folks just so that we can feel comfortable. Secondly, if we don’t accommodate by adapting how we worship, how we reach out, how we communicate, many of them won’t be around “our” church when they get older. They will have left our congregations, maybe our denomination, and, sadly, maybe even the faith.

Another thing I learned this week is how little I knew (know) of what the PC(USA) is doing in terms of running programs, providing resources, and seeking to help individuals and congregations witness to Jesus Christ and build the Kingdom of God. For instance, they have had a program going for over a year called “Growing the Church Deep and Wide.” The emphasis is helping the local congregation grow in faith and discipleship and thereby help members reach out to folks outside of the congregation so that they can experience the Good News of Jesus Christ through our service and evangelism. I’m concerned that sometimes at the local level we act more like Baptists or Congregationalists than Presbyterians. We do our “own little thing our own little way,” and we fail to stay connected to other congregations and denominational organizations. As a result, we fail to avail ourselves of lots of experience and resources and we fail to provide others with what we have learned.

And even when we learn of these things, how do we let others know? How do we, as commissioners, communicate to our Presbytery and to the congregations in our Presbytery the opportunities for youth missions, the various organizations and resource materials and individuals available if churches but ask?

A third reflection is that GA dealt with some very huge, complicated, and important issues, and it was good and right to do so. We were speaking for the “whole denomination” and making decisions for the “whole denomination.” But it seemed to me that we didn’t deal with many things that would help the local congregation do its tasks better. How do we, as commissioners, communicate to our Presbytery and to the congregations in our Presbytery the passion for missions, for evangelism, for discipleship and spiritual growth, for living our faith out in our communities, nation, and world that we heard about and learned about this week? How do we share the multitude of needs we learned about that might be just the thing that could kindle a renewed fire in a congregation? The denomination seems to be aware of this disconnect, and so it has started something called “The Big Tent” that meets the years that GA doesn’t meet. The first one was held last year, and the next one will be in Indianapolis June 30 – July 3, 2011. There will be organizations, workshops, seminars, resources—all geared to help individuals and local congregations. This may be something a number of us need to be starting now to think about attending.

Finally, I value the new friends I have made. I really enjoyed getting to know four other people from our Presbytery—Deb, Karen, Jennifer, and Dee. I had met the two minister-commissioners before at Presbytery meetings, but I didn’t know them; I only recognized their names and faces. I had not even met Deb and Jennifer before preparing for GA. Now I count these four as friends, sisters and brothers of faith, with whom I am strongly connected. I got to know several people on my committee fairly well, and we shared joys and griefs, blessings and concerns. These too are now friends of faith.

Am I tired? Yes. Were there times that I was frustrated? You bet! Did I always agree with the decisions made? Those of you who know me just said a loud “No!” I could hear you from here! :-) But was the experience worth it? For me it was. I just hope that what I was able to contribute was of value to the church and the Kingdom of God.

Blessings and shalom,
Sara