Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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Signs of inspiration and frustration: Wise observations from “the edges”

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Jessica Walter, Associate for Communication and Leadership Cultivation

In Linford Stutzman’s opening article he states, “While considerable effort by denominational leaders may be directed towards managing the resources from the institutional center of the denomination, it is the edges that are the most exciting, that have the most potential for either authentic renewal or colossal failure, just like all faith movements in Scripture and history demonstrate.”

These “edges”, or margins, have been identified as urban and racial/ethnic congregations as well as non-cradle Mennonites (or new Anabaptists) and young adults. In seeking to give a voice to some of these marginal perspectives I interviewed two new Anabaptist women from West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship (WPMF). I asked them what drew them to WPMF and the Mennonite church, where they saw hope in WPMF and what lessons they thought the broader Mennonite church could learn from WPMF.

Julie Prey Harbaugh, who was raised in the United Church of Christ, connected with Frazer Mennonite Church while attending Eastern University. “During college, my awareness was being raised about peace and justice issues of many kinds, but particularly in urban environments and with regard to feminist issues. I found myself at home with the Anabaptist theology embraced at Frazer, as well as the sense of community the congregation fostered. I have stayed Mennonite because I continue to appreciate how Mennonites act on our faith, particularly when it comes to caring for those in need in our communities, but also as we promote justice beyond our immediate sphere.”

Lynn Wetherbee grew up attending a megachurch she describes as rooting its identity in “Broadway-style drama performances and Billy Graham-style evangelistic emphasis.” Recently, after spending more than ten years as a lay leader of a small urban Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation, she began to “feel awkward” as her theology began to develop and change while she was in seminary. “About eight months ago, my husband, our four children and I began attending WPMF. I was drawn to WPMF because I knew it to be a congregation that cares actively about peace and social justice. I wanted to participate in a faith community in my neighborhood, so that my life can naturally overlap with the lives of others from my faith community on a routine basis. I continue to be inspired by the ways I see members of WPMF living out their vision and values, and the way they seek to incorporate their Mennonite identities into their work, relationships and lives. I also continue to experience WPMF as a safe, caring community for my own ever-developing spirituality, and that of my family. ”

Julie is also inspired by the vision and values of WPMF, “I am excited about the direction of our church. I sense a deepening of the grace we are able to show to one another and accept from one another. I am always struck by the beauty of how we care for each other in times of need, and I am encouraged by how we affirm one another in the various ways we work for the ‘shalom of our city.’”

Julie sees WPMF’s deep grace and beautiful care for those in need as lessons the larger Mennonite church could learn from WPMF. She also marks the congregation’s openness to those with questions (sometimes controversial) and willingness to give leadership to people, even if they are new, as lessons the broader church could learn. The ability of WPMF to give opportunities for leadership to its congregation was a great attraction for Lynn and her family, “There are many faces and voices each Sunday morning that lead the congregation through our time together, and these faces and voices are often different from week to week.”

Lynn sees this shared leadership of Sunday morning as well as WPMF’s practice of inclusiveness and belonging, in language, worship and community involvement, as lessons WPMF has to share with the broader Mennonite church.

Julie and Lynn both noted faulty power dynamics as issues they struggle with in the broader Mennonite church. Julie noted that churches, in general, would do well to be a place where “challenging issues people ordinarily hide” could be shared and addressed and where leadership was held accountable to “our ideals of servant leadership and ‘power-with’ instead of ‘power-over.’”

“More than any other religious community in which I’ve been active, family heritage appears to be a factor in the Mennonite world,” notes Lynn. “So I fear that to some degree I might always be an outsider here, although I haven’t experienced exclusion at WPMF. But as a seminary graduate who is beginning to think about professional church leadership in this denomination, I wonder how much my lack of Mennonite cultural or family roots will impact my full inclusion into the larger denomination.”

As a young woman who grew up in the Mennonite church I share both the inspiration and frustration of these “new Anabaptists.” It is my prayer that as we begin to hear these voices from “the edges” that we not only listen but that we also act on their words of wise observation.

An ending: Road signs point toward new communication venues

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Stephen Kriss, Director of Communication and Leadership Cultivation

This is the last issue of Franconia Conference’s Growing Leaders. It’s a tough time for print publications, from the weeklies in my neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia to the national papers like the Los Angeles Times. Today’s economic turbulence is accelerating the move from paper to web-based communication. With changes in our cooperative arrangement with Virginia and Lancaster conferences, we’ve decided to accelerate our changes as well.

Growing Leaders grew out of a desire for increased collaboration among the conferences of the Northeast corridor of Mennonite Church USA. After nearly a decade of publication, those relationships have changed and grown. We began by working together around expectations for credentialing and leadership development, now we’re moving toward more coordination of efforts around church-planting and mission. With this move, along with financial belt-tightening across MC USA, it’s time to change our approach toward how we equip and share ideas.

This change comes at the same time as the implementation of the LEAD (Leading, Equipping and Discipling) model of conference ministry being introduced into Franconia Conference congregations. Growing Leaders provided a meaningful communication and formational venue for leaders. It’s a venue we’ll miss, but will seek to supplement in new ways as the LEAD model for ministry emerges.

We’ll continue to move toward clear and more consistent communication efforts by increasing web-based supplements of blogs and information—nearly all conference communication will move into a virtual sphere, except for Intersections, which is becoming our bimonthly conference flagship publication. Conference staff may well be tapping more of you to help write and contribute as our conversation moves into more responsive and fluid virtual space. While the signs of the journey suggest that we’re picking up speed in a more interconnected world, we’re looking for ways to provide more timely and contextual resources.

Though it’s hard for me to imagine (or desire, really) a world without paper-based publications, we’ll likely need to continue to find new ways to share information and offer formation resources that extend our shared goals of healthy and growing leaders, disciples, congregations and connections that are both near and far. This could mean increased use of technology, but will likely need to be balanced with intentional relationship-building and sharing in face-to-face settings as well. Both the virtual and “real” will be increasingly important in this age to come.

May God who can move us into the future—with more creativity and imagination than we can muster—be illuminated in our work and our connections, now and forevermore.

Reflecting on the “Road Signs” and considering a demise: Moving forward in confidence and hope

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James M. Lapp, Preaching Pastor, Salford Mennonite Church

After nearly 10 years, Growing Leaders will discontinue in favor of other venues for communication. Having been part of the decision to initiate this quarterly resource, I now support alternative efforts to assist leaders in their growth. The real challenge centers not in the medium, but in how leaders will stay spiritually and theologically differentiated amidst an information glut, confusing expectations about effectiveness and competing voices about the nature of the church and its mission.

As we navigate the future, the research compiled by Conrad Kanagy provides an interesting and helpful mirror of our current church. The book describes sobering cautions as well as a signs of hope, both of which we’ll do well to hear. The underlying thesis of the research seems to be that the church itself can be a sign to the surrounding world. This heavy investment in gathering data suggests that the character of the church is somehow important to its mission.

I don’t dispute this assumption, but I do perceive danger in deducing from the Kanagy data that if we simply do better in certain ways that the Mennonite church can avoid further decline and be more effective in our mission. I am impressed with Kanagy’s statement that “the growing presence of Racial/Ethnic members in Mennonite Church USA is one of the greatest signs of the movement of God’s Spirit among Mennonites today.” In simply pushing out the current trajectory of Mennonite Church USA in more positive ways might we blind ourselves to “the edges” (people on the margins) from where, Linford Stutzman suggests in his article, our spiritual renewal will come? What might it mean when renewal from the edges includes people with Anabaptist beliefs and values from outside of MC USA?

In reflecting on all this, I find three kinds of hope that feed my spirit these days. Certainly one source of hope arises from a certain spiritual ferment among us, of which the Kanagy research is a part. Looking candidly at ourselves as Mennonites provides the first step toward spiritual renewal among us. To not reflect on these questions, and to fail to ask what all this data means, would be at our own peril. But I believe this data calls for more than doing better what we have always done. It calls for a shift in perspective. Will we allow this “ferment” to reshape the life of our churches?

That brings me to a second basis for hope. I am encouraged that the historic faith and practice that nourished our forbears, and many of us as well, is now being discovered and embodied in churches of all stripes and denominational labels. That our parents and others kept this faith alive for hundreds of years, and that voices like John Howard Yoder, Ron Sider and Doris Janzen Longacre (More With Less Cookbook) disseminated these beliefs and values convincingly to the broader Christian world, represents a powerful stewardship of the Gospel, in spite of all of our shortcomings. For this we can take heart. Might these “new” Anabaptists who embrace our faith and values become a source of renewal to our historic denomination?

I have one more cause for hope—the vitality of the newer leaders among us. The voices of young men and women who demonstrate the capacity to think theologically around a clear spiritual center offers a bright ray of hope to the church and the mission of Christ. I doubt that I represented that kind of hope 47 years ago when I began to pastor, but I see it so clearly in this new generation. To encounter young leaders, not only deeply committed, but also with the “mind” of Christ and the ability to honestly and insightfully sort out the big questions of our day in light of scripture and the tradition of faith we have received is very encouraging. For me this bodes well for the church of the future.

That brings me back to the demise of Growing Leaders. Currently working with a young pastoral intern exposes me to a new generation’s approach to learning and processing information. I readily concede change is needed. Both technology and the “green revolution” are introducing significant changes in how we lead. So it is not a disappointment to see Growing Leaders come to an end. The bigger challenge is how we will support a new generation of leaders in keeping the focus in such a volatile environment.

The institutions of the church (conferences, schools, publications, boards/agencies) and older leaders carry the burden of keeping our spiritual identity clear for future generations of leaders, while trusting newer leaders to shape and carry out that identity in the emerging cultural context. That remains a dynamic process in which generations need to link hands in clarifying and refining our identity of faith for our future mission. Being in God’s sovereign hands, we can move forward in confidence and hope.

Book Review: The New Conspirators

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The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time. Tom Sine. InterVarsity, 2008.
review by Krista Ehst, Perkasie

“It should be clear by now because of the turbulent times in which we live that ‘business as usual’ will no longer serve.” These words could easily have come in response to the recent economic crisis. The quote, however, is directed toward the “business” of the Christian church.

In Tom Sine’s recent book entitled The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time, Sine ardently calls the church to more creatively, more effectively and more powerfully enter into God’s movement and mission in our current global context. In his mind, the “massive, long-trended decline” of the Western church points to the ineffectiveness and failings of many of our more traditional churches.

In our age of economic and cultural globalization, Sine believes far too many churches have bought into the values of a global market rather than grounding themselves in the subversive message of Jesus Christ. Church has become a Sunday-only affair, and many Christians now invest more energy in their individual homes, cars and careers than they do in serving the marginalized and oppressed. Sine asks us, if the Church is defined by global standards of economic security and success, then how will it be different or more relevant than any other secular organization?

Sine does see hope for the church. He has interacted with emerging leaders whom he calls “the new conspirators,” or streams within the church that have taken innovative and vibrant approaches to their faith and mission. Sine examines four different streams, which he categorizes as the emerging, missional, mosaic (multicultural) and monastic movements. Each is different and all strive to take discipleship seriously as they serve those on the margins and work for the inbreaking of God’s kingdom. Sine does not idealize these groups, and acknowledges their shortcomings, but throughout the book he upholds concrete examples of the creativity of these movements in order to inspire and encourage those of us who come from more traditional church backgrounds. Though some of his chapters feel heavy laden with examples, they are generally quite helpful in providing specific and practical models for readers to utilize.

Sine’s words may not be easy to read or hear. He asks difficult questions, wondering if the traditional church has gotten its ideas of eschatology and mission completely wrong. He challenges many Western Christians, pointing out the places where we have become swept up in an individualistic, materialistic and consumer-driven society. Yet the book is not solely focused on judgment or serving readers some kind of guilt-trip. Sine seeks to illuminate our realities and current status, and then to equip us to slowly change our lives and reorient them to the calling and mission of Jesus Christ. In his words, the book is “an invitation to become part of something “really, really small,” a quiet conspiracy that is destined to change our lives and God’s world.”

The New Conspirators is an important book for the contemporary church. Part of its value is that it effectively engages and speaks to those of all socioeconomic levels, age groupings and cultural backgrounds, and that it strives to both challenge and equip Christians of all walks of life. It is accessibly written and, with the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, it proves a great resource for Sunday School classes or small group discussions. He accurately describes the “turbulence” of our times, and helps to name the anxieties, fears and temptations many of us deal with on a daily basis. For all Christians who believe that God will subvert and transform our turbulent world, and who want to enter more fully into that transformative work, Tom Sine offers a wise voice of challenge, encouragement and hope.

Krista Ehst, from Bally, Pa., is a recent graduate of Goshen College. She is currently interning with the Anabaptist Network U.K., a Franconia Conference Partner in Mission.

Notes to Pastors

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A Call to Prayer
Congregations, Partners in Mission, and Conference Related Ministries: We are part of a body and want to support each other in prayer. What would be your prayer request of one or two sentences for the upcoming year of 2009 to share with your brothers and sisters throughout the conference? Each week the prayer requests of one or two congregations, PIMs or CRMs will be shared with congregations through bulletin announcements and on www.mosaicmennonites.org. Please forward your requests to Sandy Landes, Franconia Conference prayer ministry coordinator. We look forward to how God will use our prayers to empower us to embrace God’s mission.

Hammond Organ available
Is your church or organization interested in receiving the donation of a free Hammond Organ? The Hammond Model A-100 electric organ includes drawbars, 2 manuals, full pedals (mahogany) and a Leslie Tone Cabinet Model 251. Also included are the original papers from the purchase and information manuals. The organ should be picked up by the first week in March. Please contact Harold and Ferne Alderfer if you are interested at 215-256-9287 or haroldferne@hotmail.com.

Notes to Pastors

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Leadership Forum offered
Pastors, lay leaders, board members, and executive leaders are invited to a leadership forum on Thursday, February 12 presented by Eastern District, Franconia Conference’s School for Leadership Formation, and Frederick Mennonite Community. Finding Our Way Together: Leadership in Challenging Times will be led by Rick Stiffney, President and CEO of Mennonite Health Services Alliance. It will focus on the nature of the call to serve as lay and professional leaders and to explore how staff leaders can create effective partnerships with lay boards to carry forward long-range planning in their particular setting. Participants will take away strengthened relationships and teamwork within your leadership team/board/structure, along with an analysis of how to add value to your leadership team. For more information and to register, click here. Registration deadline is February 1. Contact Jessica Walter at 215-723-5513, ext 127 with questions.

Upcoming Distance Courses from EMS
Eastern Mennonite Seminary is pleased to announce the titles of three distance learning courses for the 2009 Spring and Summer semester:

Spring Distance Course
Mennonite Faith and Polity (begins February 2)
Summer Distance Courses
Prayer in the Christian Tradition
The Christian Movement in the Mediterranean

Check the distance learning web page at www.emu.edu/seminary/distancelearning/index.html for course descriptions, faculty information, and fees. A part-time application must be submitted before you can register for a course. An on-line form is at www.emu.edu/seminary/part-time_app.html. Deadline for Spring registration is January 29; Summer term deadline is May 1.

Save the Date!
All pastors and youth pastors are invited to attend Pastors’ Day at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 8 a.m. More information will follow.

Call to Prayer: Following Jesus in a world that is not
At San Jose 2007, Mennonite Church USA delegates passed a resolution on national identity and encouraged the church to think about the promise and peril of living faithfully as Christians in the United States. The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board wants to remind you that resources to help your congregation respond to this call will be available in the February 3 issue of The Mennonite. Included are Sunday worship resources centering on the theme, Following Jesus in a world that is not, created by Marlene Kropf and Susan Mark Landis. You may want to consider reserving a Sunday in February for this worship service focus before Lent begins or perhaps later in the spring after Easter. Additional study resources will also be available on the web page (in fact, you’ll find some good resources there already). You may want to distribute this handout now or later when your congregation focuses on this theme. If you have questions, please send them to Kathryn Rodgers at KathrynR@MennoniteUSA.org.

Notes to Pastors

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Eastern Mennonite Seminary class at Biblical Seminary designed for healthy missional leaders
The Good News, Culture and Anabaptism class led by Steve Kriss begins on Monday, January 26 at Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, Pa. This Eastern Mennonite Seminary course is set to explore the possibilities of the Good News from an Anabaptist perspective in a tumultuous and interconnected world. Come to engage texts, field studies and other learners from diverse Franconia Conference contexts. To register go to www.emu.edu/lancaster/seminary or call (866) 368-5262. Costs are $195 for non credit students, $1032 for three credits. Scholarships may be available through the Conference.

Leadership Forum opportunity
Pastors, lay leaders, board members, and executive leaders are invited to a leadership forum on Thursday, February 12 presented by Eastern District, Franconia Conference’s School for Leadership Formation, and Frederick Mennonite Community. Finding Our Way Together: Leadership in Challenging Times will be led by Rick Stiffney, President and CEO of Mennonite Health Services Alliance. It will focus on the nature of the call to serve as lay and professional leaders and to explore how staff leaders can create effective partnerships with lay boards to carry forward long-range planning in their particular setting. Participants will take away strengthened relationships and teamwork within your leadership team/board/structure, along with an analysis of how to add value to your leadership team. For more information and to register, click on HERE. Registration deadline is February 1. Contact Jessica Walter at 215-723-5513, ext 127 with questions.

Learning Community gathering
The learning community on Deepening the Spiritual Lives of Congregations and Leaders is meeting on Wednesday, January 14 from 8:30 -10:30 a.m. at Methacton Mennonite Church, 3081 Mill Road, Norristown, PA. The session will include practicing the prayer of lectio divina and talking about the corporate practice of discernment – how to recognize where God is and where God is not in the midst of human experience. All those interested in deepening their spiritual lives are invited.