[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/question_everything/]
As I reflect of being confirmed as Vice-Moderator of the 218th General Assembly a year ago, one might ask "How's it going?" I have to say that I am having a blast!!! It is great having the blessed opportunity to see the church and the world and how we as Presbyterians are carrying God's mission to the world in our church context. These are some of the things that have rumbled around in my head so far:
* People by and large are not concerned with the struggles and issues the denomination has dealt with in past years. This does not mean that they do not have an opinion either way. It does mean that these issues do not affect how God is leading them to be in mission where they are. It also means in some cases that churches are going to do whatever God leads them to do, irrespective of the decisions of the denomination.
* I believe that ministering to Young Adults in the PCUSA is one of the most challenging tasks the church is facing/ will face. I also believe it can be the most rewarding.
* Flying in the post- 9/11 age is a real hassle!
* If Jesus Christ was confirmed as Vice-Moderator, people will still prefer to see the Moderator. That being said, I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, been treated very well wherever I visit and have never felt persona non grata.
* I have great respect for all who are employed at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY. They all - from maintenance personnel to Division directors - are called to and do a great work and they need to be shown appreciation for that.
* Places that I have visited there is a growing sense that the church needs to change. The anxiety enters in when nobody can define what the change will look like.
* NO - I am not sick of travelling yet. Probably won't be.
* I have learned that whenever you are invited somewhere, make sure you know the context and background of the visit. Even if you think you know, do it anyway. It will save you a lot of time and misunderstandings.
* Many people tell me that "I wouldn't do that (be vice-moderator) for anything in the world!" My question back is "Why not?" It's a great way to be a servant and listen to the stories of people who are following God's call in ministry in their local context. That's fun!
* Make sure you check in with your church/family/significant other while away.
* Mostly everyone has a real concern that the denomination is continually losing members. That is a big issue in my visits.
* Be flexible. Be flexible. Be flexible.
Overall I have had a great time and I definitely look forward to the next year!
Good stuff, my man. We're looking forward to having you with us during your second half!
Posted by: Steve Lindsley | June 30, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Thanks for your post Brian. Regarding your comment about the anxiety produced by not knowing what the church will look like - I would enjoy your thoughts about what you've seen as trends moving toward the future. I know our church is doing some great new things and to be honest, I worry about the denomination changing in a way that will accommodate the future but I'm not worried when I think about specific churches that have found their "new" way.
Posted by: Beth | July 01, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Thanks, Brian, for serving, and for encouraging others to think about these issues and to think about serving also. These are timely and accurate reflections. Our denomination has a chance with committed and energetic folks like you working in its service. Blessings!
Posted by: Laurie McKnight | July 04, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Steve - thanks! I'm looking forward to the next year as well ;-)
Beth - Thanks! You have given me a good idea for a future blogpost.
Laurie - Thanks for the good words!
Posted by: Byron Wade | July 05, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Byron
Thanks for your service. Glad you aren't tired of it yet since you still have a ways to go.
I think we need to have some anxiety right now, it truly allows people to think and explore what the future looks like. If things were status quo, few people would dream new dreams.
Posted by: Martha Williams Jordan | July 06, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Martha - definitely think you are right. The church needs to move and explore while life is "unsettled." I know I am looking forward to the new possibilities!
Posted by: Byron Wade | July 06, 2009 at 01:53 PM
i agree with martha. as you travel, will you ever be in the washington, d.c. area (National Capital Presbytery)? i'm with christ presbyterian church in fairfax and it would be great to have some PC(USA) leaders come visit in Fairfax County sometime. Thanks, Marilyn Dorn
Posted by: marilyn dorn | July 06, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Marilyn - If I come that way I will let you know. Thanks!
Posted by: Byron Wade | July 06, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Byron! First of all, thank you for serving. Some of us lowly seminarians hear the gloom and doom talk about the loss of membership in our denomination and we get a little nervous. Of course, before seminary I was a classroom teacher for 30 years; I also heard a lot of gloom and doom about education in America. While I can't argue the stats, I used to say to myself, "not in my classroom!" I have a similar feeling about wherever I work in our church.
Take care and thanks again! - Mark
Posted by: mark plunkett | July 07, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Mark - thanks! And keep that classroom teacher experience alive and well. You will need it ;-)
Posted by: Byron Wade | July 07, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Hi Byron
Thanks for your faithful service. I share your observation that most people aren't caught up in the debates (aka homosexuality) that are dividing the church. I serve a church where opinions are divided, but we simply try to love our neighbors. Right now we have 10 homeless people staying at the church through Interfaith Hospitality network, and 17 of us just got back from an awesome trip to Honduras, hosted by PCUSA missionaries, Tim and Gloria Wheeler. A great trip, with extra excitment from the coup....!
You are in our prayers...
Posted by: charlie berthoud | July 11, 2009 at 06:58 PM