Conversations that Matter

By Rev Philip Gardner

At the time of writing the annual Synod meeting is still fresh in my memory. Some of those memories are about the many conversations that take place over a Synod, formal and informal, in meetings and in breaks. Such meetings are sometimes disparagingly dismissed as ‘talk fests.’ Meetings where much is said and little done.

However, there are writers who highlight the importance of good conversation, who speak of leadership as shaping the conversation, what is discussed and how it is discussed. For example, United Methodist Church Consultant Gil Rendle writes:

Synod meetings at their best are giving time and attention to important conversations. Having said that there are three further points I would like to make about Synod conversations.

Shaping the conversation is important

We have all been bored, frustrated and distracted by conversations that seem to go nowhere, angered or bewildered when they wander into unexpected and unhelpful areas. The ability to lead and shape healthy and life-giving conversations is a useful and vital leadership trait.

This was demonstrated by the presence of the team from Angel Wings Consulting who were leading discussions around the Synod meeting, often at the edges, about important missional matters as part of their review of mission resourcing. I ‘accidentally’ joined one of these conversations one lunchtime by joining a table group, and was delighted again to see where a well-led conversation can go. I also admired the skills involved in fine group facilitation.

If your congregation or council are facing significant conversations, talk to your presbytery leaders about facilitating a healthy – even holy conversation.

It is important to talk about things that matter

I will concede that at times conversations at church meetings can be ‘adventures in missing the point’ (Brian McLaren). There were a number of conversations on issues that matter at this Synod. There was the review of Mission Resourcing mentioned above; a discussion about The Voice to Parliament; conversations about Mission and Property; and also preliminary conversation about the Act2 report, seeking to re-think the way we structure our lives as a denomination nationally.

These are not the only significant conversations we need to be having. For example, there are important conversations to be had about mission in our changed context; how we form disciples - from no stated commitment to Jesus to mature followers; how we identify and shape the next generation of leaders; how we encourage and resource the planting of new congregations; how we find new ways of engaging our communities; blessing them and developing new social capital. In another article we will also speak of other conversations at Synod.

Conversations should continue beyond the meeting

Finally, the conversations that occur in a Synod meeting are sometimes enriched and enriching when held in other contexts like Church Councils, study groups and congregational meetings. It would be great if your congregation would take time this year to reflect on their mission and the ways in which your current property (if you have one) serves that mission. It will be helpful, if you haven’t had the conversation for some time, to reflect on your on-going commitment to reconciliation between First and Second Peoples and what that means in our current context. You might find it helpful to discuss as a Church Council what resourcing you need as a congregation to help you face your current challenges in mission and ministry.

The manner in which we conduct them – thoughtfully, respectfully and open to discerning the will of God – helps shape our identity as followers of Jesus. There are resources to help you develop your skills in conversation as community – but that is a conversation for another day.

References

Rendle, G, (2014), ‘Doing the Math of Mission,’ Alban.

McLaren, B & Campolo, T, (2003), ‘Adventures in Missing the Point: How the culture Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel,’ El Cajon, CA, USA.