This past Tuesday, my friend Nicole and I were asked to address a group of people at the local seminary about the Emerging Church Movement. We both assessed the room and immediately felt as if the oxygen was being sucked out of it. Lots of men in suits and ties, looking rather formal (translate: stuffy). I was clearly the youngest person in the room (there were a few other young pastor-types, but they seemed to be playing along with the dress code, if you know what I mean!).
We were told a little about who it was we would be addressing. But for someone who relies so much on understanding and speaking from context, I felt like I was speaking Japanese to a group of Norwegian scholars. Tough crowd, to say the least.
Nicole rocked! She talked passionately and articulately about theology and the Emerging Church, making good connections to the local church and to our Methodist roots. (She's a tough act to follow!) I was tasked with talking about worship, a subject I love to talk about. About a third of the way through, I realized that the humor I wrote into my part of the presentation was completely lost on almost everyone but Nicole. I was speaking from the language, culture, and world view that is comfortable to me, but foreign to most of the church. Because the Church is full of nice people, they listened to the presentation, but its purpose seemed lost on me and those gathered. It was like, "Okay, here's some information about what others are doing, and what these two are engaged in, isn't that nice!" It was not like the seminary was going to make a commitment to engage the Emergent conversation-- they don't have an angry mob demanding it. It's not like these folks in their suits are going to go out and learn more and find ways to lead their churches to change toward reaching the folks this movement is reaching. (Some may try, and they mean well). Mostly it just made me feel like Marcia Brady speaking in front a crowd for the first time-- no way would try and imagine those people in their underwear, but it was an awkward experience nonetheless.
It makes me appreciate Molly's most recent entry about death that much more. We seem to be so scared of things that are outside of our comfort zone, it's much easier for us to either be in denial, or act like an ostrich and bury our heads in the sand. I want to, as Molly suggests, "live faithfully, fearlessly, and freely." I admit it is hard to do in an institution that moves at the pace we do.
I know that I've got to keep doing what I'm doing-- and I thank God for a community like Hope where I am truly getting to lead from a place where authenticity, community, love, and following Jesus is what we're all about. They don't know that the greater church is endangered. Praise God for that.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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6 comments:
Hey--thanks for the shout-out. And for speaking on and out, even when it makes you feel like Marcia Brady. I always like Marcia, anyhow.
And, though this clearly wasn't your intended outcome, you've added more confusion as I ponder fashion choices for this general conference meeting next week... ;) What's a girl to do. How does one dress in a way to say: I take this seriously and want to be taken seriously, but I really don't want to do things like we've always done things?
This is a tough one, Molly. Part of me says, "Witness to the Church ways you are authentic and relevant through your wardrobe!" The other part of me has experienced the concern you raise about not being taken seriously. Ultimately I hope you figure out a way to be YOU. That's who the folks at Conference elected. That's who we want representin'!
I just got a haircut. That could help. ;)
(Not like my haircut before GC in 2000, but shorter and a bit more chaotic than usual...)
My vote is more thrift store clothing like yesterday.
Then, if anyone actually comments on your attire, you also get to tell them you bought at at the Mission Thrift store you oversee.
But I vote with Erika on authenticity.
That's my true vote. Now, here's a wee bit of strategy. Consider this week's meeting as more casual, less formal, less important even than GC. You're all there on a working trip, not the official meeting. You're touring the site, not playin' the concert. So, of course, you chose more casual attire. I'm hoping it all goes well, but if you feel the clothin' coming between you and reprsentin', ask aloud what people tend to wear to the ACTUAL conference.
But I still say, wear whatever you want. And, don't forget the ice cream at the back porch or the art at the Modern.
Erika, as usual, you rock and spoke truth and hopefully somebody there SAW it, knew it.... heard it.
Molly, as for clothing, having been to a number of these sorts of events and the actual events (but not the pre-events) I have observed that at the actual event people dress ridiculously uncomfortably considering how many hours they spend in uncomfortable chairs, walking on concrete, and not sleeping. I suggest sane clothing choices that make you feel professional enough.... but not overstuffed-- nothing too tight, too navy blue, too blue-jeany, or too button down/up. Choose what works for you. They will take you seriously if you speak seriously.
I think it is really important that we look and dress in a way that is comfortable and authentic to who we are. I do not want to look like a man, which it seems many of my colleagues choose. I am real casual most of the time but dress professionally when working...it's a balance.
But all of that is a sidebar to saying that I wish I could have heard you speak, sorry these other folks don't seem to get it...(I could say, no wonder the Church is dying...)...
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