I have just completed a most energizing clergy retreat with colleagues up at Copper Mountain Resort. In addition to worship, fellowship, beautiful surroundings, and a chance to get away from the intensity of transitioning to a new church and community (which I love, by the way!), we were treated to some very enlightening content led by Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law of The Kaleidoscope Institute.
Eric's work has to do with helping groups of people, congregations in our case, understand culture differences within, the equitable sharing of power, and something he describes as the Gospel Cycle of Living. This is a cycle whereby the powerful in the community identify with the self-emptying of Christ (along the lines of Phil. 2:5-11) and share power with the powerless - who may be those sitting right next to them in church - who then become liberated to live into the fullness of God's abundant life for all. As understanding of difference(s) occurs, relationships are built, truth is told, trust engendered, and power shared, the whole community experiences the transforming effects of the Kingdom of God "coming near", or should I say, "nearer".
It was profound and offers me much with which to appreciate the rich complexity of the church I serve and to facilitate this "coming near" of the ways of Jesus.
Many thanks to Fort Collins First UMC for supporting me this week in this retreat!
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