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ReimaginingWorship:FindingGodinWhatWeLoveTheRev.DenaCleaver‐Bartholomew
“Letthepeoplespraiseyou,OGod;letallthepeoplespraiseyou.”(Psalm67:5NRSV)
PeopleoffaitharedrawntoworshipGod,praisingtheOnewhocreatedthem
andblessedthemwithlife.AugustinebeginshisfamousConfessionsbydeclaringof
man:“Thethoughtofyoustirshimsodeeplythathecannotbecontentunlesshe
praisesyou,becauseyoumadeusforyourselfandourheartsfindnopeaceuntil
theyrestinyou.”1ChristianscometogetherastheBodyofChristtopraiseand
worshipGod;tolearnfromScriptureandtraditionsoftheChurch;toshareinthe
HolyEucharistandprayers;andtobuildcommunity.Goodworshipnotonlyattains
thesegoals,italsopreparesChristianstogointotheworldandliveaswitnessesto
theirfaith.AsJamesK.A.Smithsays,“Thecapital‐LLiturgyofSundaymorning
shouldgeneratelowercase‐lliturgiesthatgovernourexistencethroughouttherest
oftheweek.”2
Manypriestsandpastorsfindthemselvesinaconundrumwhenworship
servicesseemtobesuccessfulintheSundaymorningsetting,yetdonotappearto
generatethedesiredweekdayconnection.Thismaybeespeciallyfrustratingwhen
participationisminimalinministriessuchasBiblestudyandChristianFormation,
whicharedesignedtoenhancethecorrelationsbetweenChurchonSundayand
everydaylife.ManyparishionersarethereforeminimallyfamiliarwiththeBibleand1SaintAugustine,Confessions,trans.R.S.Pine‐Coffin(Middlesex,England:PenguinBooks,1961),1.2JamesK.A.Smith.YouAreWhatYouLove:TheSpiritualPowerofHabit(GrandRapids:BrazosPress,2016),113.
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basicChristianhistory,theology,andpractice,aswellaswithconceptsofspiritual
giftsorpractices.Themaylacktheknowledgeandconfidencenecessarytoliveout
theirfaithfully,eitherinChurchministriesorintheireverydaylives.
Project:Theprojectwastocreatethematicworshipeventsthatintegratean
alternativeworshipservicewithChristianFormation,areofferedasacomplement
totraditionalworship,aredevelopedandledbylaypeople,andaregivena
frameworkbythepriestorpastor.Eachworshipeventisbasedinasubjectthe
groupoflayleaderslove,andinwhichtheyfindaconnectionwiththeHolyintheir
everydaylives.
ProjectTheoryandDesign:
1.Theconceptwasthatanalternativeservicewould“…changethecultureofthe
Churchwithoutdamagingwhatisalreadygood,”3therebyresultingin
transformation.Theprocesswasdesignedto:engagelaypeopleinidentifying
somethingtheyloved;helpthemeitheraffirmorshifttheirperceptionofthatfacet
oftheirlivesasaplacewheretheyencounterGod;provideauniquecontextin
whichtheycouldoffertheirexperienceinaworshipevent;integrateworshipand
Christianformationinawaythatwaslayled,attractedtheinterestofothers,and
revitalizedtheirfaith,particularlyasitislivedonaneverydaybasis.Theworship
eventswerenamedFindingGodIn…tohighlightthemyriadwaysinwhichpeople
mightencounterGodintheireverydaylives.
3WesleydeSouza,conversationwithauthor,August15,2016.
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BecauseFindingGodIn…wouldbeofferedinadditiontothetraditional
Sundaymorningworshipservice,itwasdesignedtocomplementratherthan
competewithit.PeoplecouldcontinuetobegroundedinworshipthatincludesThe
HolyEucharistaccordingtoTheBookofCommonPrayerandmusicprimarilyfrom
TheHymnal1982,whilealsoattendingorleadinganoccasionalalternativeworship
eventdesignedtocreateaclearunderstandingofhowtheymightliveouttheirfaith
duringtherestoftheweek.Byhavinglaypeopleleadtheworshipevent,itwould
demonstratethemanywaysinwhichordinarytalents,abilities,andinterestscould
beunderstoodasspiritualpracticesandusedtodeepenfaith,glorifyGod,andreach
others.TheideaofhavingFindingGodIn…serveasacomplementtotraditional
worshipwasthatitcouldbuildontothestrengthsalreadypresentintheworshipof
thecommunity,andenhancetheareasofChristianFormation,dailydiscipleship,
spiritualpractices,andleadership,therebyleadingtooverallrevitalization.
NotedanthropologistAnthonyF.C.Wallaceintroducedtheconceptof
“revitalizationmovements”asauniformfivestepprocessthroughwhichcultural
systemsarechanged.Wallacedefinesarevitalizationmovementasa“deliberate,
organized,consciouseffortbymembersofasocietytoconstructamoresatisfying
culture.”4AccordingtoWallacetheslightlyoverlappingstagesoftheprocessare
first,aSteadyState,inwhichthetechniquesusedbyacultureformeetingtheneeds
ofitspeopleworkwithoutunduestressonindividuals;second,aPeriodof
IncreasedIndividualStress,inwhichthecultureisnolongerabletomeetneeds4AnthonyF.C.Wallace,“RevitalizationMovements,”DynamicsinReligion,reading29(March2013):421,accessedJanuary28,2017,http://hiebertglobalcenter.org/blog/wp‐content/uploads/2013/03/Reading‐29‐Anthony‐Wallace‐Revitalization‐Movements.pdf.
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withoutsignificantstressbeingexperiencedbyagrowingnumberofindividuals;
third,aPeriodofCulturalDistortion,duringwhichongoingstressoverunmetneeds,
theinabilityofcurrenttechniquestoaddressthesituation,andanxietyoverthe
possibleneedforchangecreatesavarietyofconflictingresponses;fourth,aPeriod
ofRevitalization;andfifth,aReturntoaSteadyState.Inorderforrevitalizationto
occur,severaltasksmustbecompleted:Reformulationofthe“mazeway,”Wallace’s
termforanindividual’sunderstandingofhisculture’sparadigmandphysical
surroundings,oftenledinreligiouscontextsbyaleaderwithavisionordream;
Communicationofthenewvisiontoothers;Organizationallowingothersto
experiencethenewvision;Adaptationtolocalcontext;CulturalTransformation,
whenasignificantpartofthepopulationacceptsthenewvisionandischanged;and
Routinization,whenthevisionbecomesthe‘newnormal.’
UsingWallace’stheory,ChristChurchisintheoverlappingperiodsof
IncreasedIndividualStressandCulturalDistortion,wherethestressoverunmet
needsinone’severydaydiscipleship,ChristianFormation,andpreparationfor
Churchleadershipisrealizedtovaryingdegrees.ChristChurchisnotalonein
sufferingfromtheseconcerns,particularlyregardingChristianFormation,aswas
madeevidentinavideofromTheEpiscopalStoryProjectentitled“TheWayWeDo
FaithFormationIsNotWorking.”5InthevideoTheRev.LeeAnneWatkins
verbalizesthestressofcontinuallycreatingawidevarietyofAdultFormation
offerings,onlytohavefewifanypeopleattend.Finallyafteryearsoffrustrationand
disappointment,shecanceledallofSt.Mary’sadultprogramsandmidweekservices.5“TheWayWeDoFaithFormationIsNotWorking,”EpiscopalStoryProject,accessedJanuary28,2017,https://vimeo.com/36724840.
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Herstressisclearwhenshesays,“Ifeellikeconfessing.ItmightbethatSt.Mary’sis
justthislittleenclaveoffailure…Theydon’treallywanttotalkaboutJesuswithme,
eveniftheyknowthat’swhatIwantthemtodo.”
TheprojectwasdesignedtoseeifFindingGodIn…couldinitiatethePeriodof
RevitalizationasdescribedbyWallace.Revitalizationisdefinedas“theprocessof
infusingnewlifeorvitality.”6Thelayledalternativeworshipservice,basedin
somethingpeoplelove,maybeawayofreconfiguringthe“mazeway,”allowing
peopletoenvisionaneworrenewedwayofunderstandingtheirrelationshipto
God.TheCommunicationofthisnewvisiontakesplaceinboththeprocessofthe
leaderspreparingfortheworshipevent,andintheeventitself.Organization,
duringwhichothersexperiencethevision,occursduringtheworshipevent.
Adaptationisimplicitinhavinglocalleaderswhobeginwithsomethingtheylove.
Asaresult,CulturalTransformationisinitiated,havingbegunwiththeresponseof
thosewhowereworshipteammembers,andincludingthosewhoattendedthe
events.Itremainstobeseenifasignificantenoughnumberofpeoplemightbe
changedbytheseeventstocreatetrueCulturalTransformation.
2.Whatweloveshapeswhoweare.JamesK.A.SmithquoteswriterGeoffDyer
“Yourdeepestdesireistheonemanifestedbyyourdailylifeandhabits”andgoeson
toelucidate,“Thisisbecauseouraction–ourdoing–bubblesupfromourloves,
6MichaelA.Rynkiewich,“WhatisRevitalization?”Revitalization12,no.1‐2(Fall2005):2,accessedJanuary31,2017,http://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=revitalizationrevitalization.
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which…arehabitswe’veacquiredthroughthepracticeswe’reimmersedin.”7The
thingswelovetodomaybeseenasspiritualpractices,asthewayswecultivateand
expressthelovewefeel,whetherornotweareconsciouslyawareofaspiritual
aspect.Byprovidinganenvironmentinwhichpastoralandtheologicalgrounding
wereofferedforanewperspectiveontheireverydaypractices,theworshipteam
leadersmightbeabletounderstandtheirownexperiencesinawaythataffirmed
themasholy.AsM.CraigBarnesobserved,“Oneofthereasonsthatpeopleneed
pastorsispreciselythatGodisalwayspresentbutusuallynotapparent.Inaddition,
otherparticipantsandthosewhoattendedtheeventswouldprovideanattentive
listeningcommunity,whichcouldhelpconfirmthevalueofwhateachparticipant
lovedandhonortheirexperience.JayMcDanielhighlightstheimportanceofhaving
areceptiveaudience:“Wehavetoooftenforgottenthatthereisareceptivesideof
love:asidethatlistenstoothersontheirowntermsandfortheirownsakesand
thatistransformedinthelisteningwithouttryingtochangethemaccordingto
preconceivedpurposes.”8Notonlycouldthepracticeofdoingwhatonelovedbea
waytoencounterGod,socouldthepracticeofsharingone’sstoryandthepractice
oflisteningtoanother’sstory.
Althoughpeoplemaynotbemotivatedtoparticipateinaregularadult
ChristianFormationclass,thiswouldbeanewapproachbasedinsomethingthat
intereststhemorsomeonetheycareabout.TheRev.JeremyLewissaid,“People
maynotcareaboutwhatyouwantthemtocareabout.Allofuslove,soaskthe
7Smith,YouAreWhatYouLove,29.8JayMcDaniel,“IntheBeginningistheListening,”inTheologyThatMatters:Ecology,Economy,andGod,ed.DarbyKathleenRay(Minneapolis:FortressPress,2006),27.
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questiondifferently:Whatdoyoulove?”9Therehavebeentwoexceptionstothe
lackofinterestinadultChristianFormationattheprojectparish.Thefirstwasan
interactiveprayerworkshop.Thesecondwasacurrentdiscussiongroupthat
emergedorganicallyfromtherequiredpropheticsermonforDMin712and
encouragespeopletoengageinthoughtful,courteousconversationsabout
controversialtopicsasawaytoliveoutourbaptismalvowto“respectthedignityof
everyhumanbeing.”10Thesetwoexceptionsshowedthatpeopleinthe
congregationdorespondwhenittouchesanareaofinterestforthemandwhenit
haspracticalapplicationtotheirlives.
Thisprojectisbasedinthetheorythatbeyondthetraditionalsettingof
Sundaymorningworship,peopleareparticularlyopentothePresenceofGod,orto
anexperienceoftheholy,orasenseofwonderorawe,whentheyareengagedin
doingsomethingtheylove.Whileinitiallytheymightnotidentifywhattheyloveasa
contextforencounteringtheDivine,givenappropriatebiblicalandtheological
languageandimagery,alongwithagroupofotherswhosharesimilarexperiences,
andareceptiveenvironment,theirperspectivecouldchange.Whileeverythingone
lovestodomaynotbeaspiritualpractice,broadeningthescopeofwhatmightbe
consideredaspiritualpracticeallowsonetoconsiderwhetherandhowanactivity
mightencourageanddeepenrelationshipwithGod.Theideawasthatincreatinga
processthatallowedindividualstoparticipateinagroupofsimilarinterestinwhich
9RecountedbyDavidJenkins,“TheReflectivePractitionerasCommunityLeader”(classlecture,DMin711,Atlanta,Georgia,April9,2014).10TheEpiscopalChurch.TheBookofCommonPrayer(NewYork:OxfordUniversityPress,1990),305.
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theseresourcesweremadeavailabletothem,theywouldexpandtheircapacityto
experiencetheconnectionbetweenGodandtheireverydaylives.
3.TheprocessforFindingGodIn…reflectedthemethodusedindiscerningthe
missionstatementforChristChurch,whichisTransformingourselvesandour
communitythroughtheunconditionalloveofJesusChrist.Oneofthemajorinsightsin
creatingthemissionstatementwasthatthepriestwasnotgoingtocraftitforthe
congregation,aspreviousrectorshaddone,norsharewiththeVestryor
congregationhervisionforthem.Instead,theydiscernedtogetherwheretheHoly
Spiritwasleadingandworkedcollaboratively.Amongtheprimarytasksofthe
priestwastoleadbyexampleandinvitation,whilelisteningtoandaffirmingthe
contributionsoflayleaders.Bycreatingandmaintaininganopenprocessfor
conversation,participation,anddiscernment,itwasfarmorefruitful,arealization
notedbyJohnPaulLederach:“ThemoreIwantedtointentionallyproducea
particularresult,themoreelusiveitseemedtobe;themoreIletgoanddiscovered
theunexpectedopeningsalongtheway,atthesideofthejourney,themore
progresswasmade.”11
Thehopefortransformation,asexpressedinthemissionstatementand
namedbyWallaceinhistermCulturalTransformation,isgroundedinseveral
sources.ThefirstisinGod’spromisesthatGodiswithus.Jesusassuredhis
disciples,“Andremember,Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage.”(Matthew
28:20NRSV)JesussaidtothePharisees“thekingdomofGodisamongyou.’”(Luke11JohnPaulLederach,TheMoralImagination:TheArtandSoulofBuildingPeace(NewYork:OxfordUniversityPress,2005),115.
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17:20‐21NRSV)PaulremindedtheearlyChristians“Godsaid,‘Iwillliveinthem
andwalkamongthem,andIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople.’”(2
Corinthians6:16NRSV)ThesecondisthatGodiswillingtoworkwithus,often
throughthemostordinaryofcircumstancesandmaterials,toeffecttransformation.
Themostrecognizedtransformativeoccasionsoccurinthesacraments,whichare,
accordingtotheCatechism“outwardandvisiblesignsofinwardandspiritual
grace….”12Thetwoprimarysacraments,baptismandEucharist,useordinarywater,
bread,andwinetoconveythegraceofGod.Thesetransformedelementsbecome
mediumsforourtransformation.Godmaylikewiseuseotherordinarymaterials
andopportunitiesasvehiclesofgraceforourtransformation.Theshiftin
perceptioninwhichtheordinarycomestobeunderstoodasextraordinaryis
illustratedinatalemadefamousbymanagementconsultantandwriterPeter
Drucker:
Anoldstorytellsofthreestonecutterswhowereaskedwhattheywere doing.Thefirstreplied,“Iammakingaliving.”Thesecondkepton hammeringwhilehesaid,“Iamdoingthebestjobofstonecuttinginthe entirecountry.”Thethirdonelookedupwithavisionarygleaminhiseyes andsaid,“Iambuildingacathedral.”13
12TheEpiscopalChurch,TheBookofCommonPrayer.(NewYork:OxfordUniversityPress,1990),857.13PeterDrucker,Management,(HarperCollinse‐books),accessedJanuary30,2017,http://youth‐portal.com/wp‐content/uploads/2014/10/Peter‐F‐Drucker‐Management‐Rev‐Ed.pdf.,258‐9.
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Thethirdbasisofmyhopeisinthebeliefthat“thereisnoseparationbetweenthings
spiritualandmaterial,religiousandpolitical,sacredandsecularinourlives.Godis
inallofit,callingustomakeconnections….”14
TheconceptofcurationasappliedtoworshipcomesfromCuratingWorship
byJonnyBaker,whosays,“Aworshipcuratormakesacontextandaframefor
worship,arrangingelementsinit.Thecontentisprovidedbyotherpeople.”15The
term‘curation’isusedtodescribingthetaskoflisteningtothestoriesofothers;
prayingwiththem;envisioninghowtheirindividualcontributionsmightfittogether
intoacohesiveflow;andsuggestingbiblicaltexts,theologicalperspectives,and
otherideastocreateaframeworkfortheworshipevent.Byfunctioningasacurator
thepriestorpastorisabletoprovideatheologicalandpastorallensfortheprocess,
toserveasamentorfortheworshipteammembers,andtovalidatethevalueof
theircontributions,whilestillplacingthefocusonGodaspresentintheir
experiences.
4.JamesK.A.Smithdeclaresthecentralityofliturgyinformingus:
Liturgies–whether‘sacred’or‘secular’–shapeandconstituteouridentities byformingourmostfundamentaldesiresandourmostbasicattunementto theworld.Inshort,liturgiesmakeuscertainkindsofpeople,andwhat definesusiswhatwelove.16
14LettyM.Russell,JustHospitality:God'sWelcomeinaWorldofDifference,ed.J.ShannonClarksonandKateM.Ott(Louisville:Westminster/JohnKnoxPress,2009),11.15JonnyBaker,CuratingWorship(NewYork:SeaburyBooks,2010),xiv.16JamesK.A.Smith,DesiringtheKingdom:Worship,Worldview,andCulturalFormation.(GrandRapids:BakerAcademic,2009),25.
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DavidFosterWallaceassertedthat,“Thereisnosuchthingasnotworshipping.
Everybodyworships.Theonlychoicewegetiswhattoworship.”17Becausepeople
areshapedbyworshipitisimportantthatwearebothattentivetoandintentional
abouthowweworship.Ourliturgies,orworshippractices,havetremendouspower
toshapebothwhoweareandwhatwebelieve.
TheEpiscopalChurchteacheslexorandi,lexcredendi,whichtranslatesas‘the
lawofpraying[is]thelawofbelieving’or,“moreaccuratelylegemcredendalex
statuatsupplicandi,whichmeansthatthewaywepraydeterminesthewaywe
believe.”18Thewaysinwhichweworshipshapeourprimarytheology,andarethe
sourceofhowwethinkabout,talkabout,andinteractwithGod.ForEpiscopalians
thismeansthatTheBookofCommonPrayerismuchmorethanworshipresource.It
istheguidetoourprimarytheology.Episcopalianspositthatitisorthopraxy,or
rightpractice,ratherthanorthodoxy,rightbelief,thatformsus.Ourliturgical
worshipisourorthopraxy,thepracticethatshapesbothwhoweareandwhatwe
believe.TheliturgiesofTheBookofCommonPrayerarebiblicallybasedandreflect
Anglicantheology,sothatthepracticeofdoingthemshapesus.Trueorthodoxy
thereforecomesfromorthopraxyratherthantheotherwayaround.Theproject
seekstocomplementtheprimarytheologyandorthopraxyexpressedinthe
liturgiesofTheBookofCommonPrayerbycreatingaprocesswhichincludes
17DavidFosterWallace,“Transcriptionofthe2005KenyonCommencementAddress.”PerdueUniversity.(CommencementAddressforKenyonCollege,Gambier,Ohio,May21,2005),8.https://web.ics.purdue.edu/~drkelly/DFWKenyonAddress2005.pdf.18LeonelL.Mitchell,PrayingShapesBelieving:ATheologicalCommentaryontheBookofCommonPrayer(Minneapolis:WinstonPress,1985),1.
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anotherinsightintotheconnectionbetweenprayerandbelief:“lexamandi.Howwe
prayandwhatwebelievebothshapeandareshapedbywhatwelearntolove.”19
TheProject:Inordertoevaluatewhethermembersofthecongregationreflected
thepremisesoftheprojectasurveywasdistributed.Thefirstquestionwas,“What
isyourresponsetothecurrentformatforworshipatChristChurchwithTheHoly
Eucharist,RiteII(withtraditionalhymnodyatthelaterservice,accompaniedby
organorpiano)?Theresponseswere:37positive,9content,5neutral,2
dissatisfied,and0negative.Thesecondquestion,“Doyoufeelaclearconnection
betweenworshiponSundayandlivingoutyourfaiththerestoftheweek?”received
aresponseof31yes,20somewhat,and2no.Questionthree,“Doyouparticipatein
anykindofadultChristianFormation(reading,class,Biblestudy,etc.)?”received
repliesof18yesand35no.Thefinalquestion,“Doyoufeelconfidentinyourability
toleadaministryorofferyourgiftsandabilitiesatchurch?”garneredanswersof32
yes,10somewhat,and11no.Thesurveysconfirmedthatthosewhorespondedare
positiveaboutorcontentwiththetraditionalworshipservicecelebratedatChrist
Church(86.79%)andthatfewparticipateinadultChristianFormation(66.03%).A
largepercentageaffirmedaclearconnectionbetweenworshiponSundayandliving
outtheirfaithduringtheweek(58.49%)andfeltconfidentleadingaministryor
offeringtheirgiftsatchurch(60.37%).Subsequentconversationleadmetobelieve
thatmorenuancedquestionswouldhavereceiveddifferentanswers,specificallyif
thesecondquestiondifferentiatedbetweenlivingoutgeneralprinciplesoffaith,
19RonRienstra,“GoodWorship:ArticulatingStandardsofExcellenceinWorshipwithoutBecomingtheLiturgyPolice.”Liturgy,29,no.2,(January31,2014):4.
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suchastheGoldenRule,andhavingongoingspiritualpractices;andifadistinction
hadbeenmadeinthefourthquestionbetweenparticipatinginministrieswhere
knowledgeisnotspecifictochurch,suchasmusic,property,andfinance,andthose
thataremoreparticulartochurch,asareBiblestudy,teachingSundaySchool,and
leadingyouthgroup.
Throughparishemail,thenewsletter,bulletins,announcements,and
conversationsmembersofChristChurchwereinvitedtoparticipateinforming
worshipteamsbasedinsomethingtheyloved.Theresultwasthreeteamsof
volunteersforFindingGodInmusic,nature,andservingothers.Eachteammetonce
totalkthroughtheconceptoftheeventandtosharethebasicideaforwhatthey
wishedtocontribute.Wecreatedaroughoutlineoftheflowoftheevent,orderof
participants,physicalplacement,lighting,music,andrefreshments.Theteam
membersthenhadtimetoworkindividuallyinpreparationfortheirpartofthe
event.Wecommunicatedthroughbothconversationandemailtoaddress
questions,ideas,andconcerns.Wethenmetasecondtimetorunthroughtheevent
andmakechangesifneeded.Eachofthemhadbeguntheprocesswithavulnerable
willingnesstoparticipate,notatallclearaboutwhattheprocessentailed.Asthey
toldtheirstoriesandwetalkedthroughstructuringtheeventandadded
componentslikeScripture,poetry,andvisualaidsthatgavetheirtestimonies
supportandclarity,theygrewmoreconfidentandexcitedabouttheprocess.
Finally,eachworshipeventwasheldonaSundayeveninginOctoberat7:00p.m.in
ourmultipurposespace.
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TheWorshipEvents:ThefirstteamwasforFindingGodinMusic.Seven
parishionersvolunteered.Ourorganist,volunteerhandbellchoirdirector,andsix
choirmembersparticipated.Theorganistofferedhertimefor,andwaspartof,all
threeevents.Thesixchoirmembersincludedamusicteacherandthreehighschool
students–twoyoungmenfromChristChurchwhosinginaquartet;andtwowho
aresiblings.Thegroupwasveryenthusiastic.Eachoftheparticipantswas
experiencedinperformingpubliclyandallofthemvaluemusic.Astheytalked
throughwhattheymightdo,eachonetookarisk.Themusicteacherandher
husbandledtwosongsinwhichthoseattendingwereinvitedtoparticipate.The
firstwaslightheartedandincludeddancingandthesharingofslinkies,whichwere
usedintherefrain;thesecondwasprayerfulandwasledastheconclusionfromthe
centeroftheroom.Healsoreadapoemaboutbeingencouragednottosingdueto
lackofabilityandplayedthetromboneaccompaniedbypiano.Thehandbell
directorplayedacomplicatedsolo,supportedbypiano.Onewomanwhoisvery
reluctanttodopublicspeakingwroteandsharedamovingreflectiononthe
meaningofmusicinherlife.Theoneyoungmanwhoisinthequartetinvitedthe
others,includingtwoyoungmenwhogotootherchurches,toparticipate.Ayoung
womanplayedachallengingviolinsolo.Weplacedtheparticipantsaroundthe
roomandputlampsbesideeachofthem.Theleadersthentookturnsturningthe
lampsonandofftospotlightwhoeverwasperformingatthemoment.Everyonein
theroomwasseatednearatleastoneoftheperformers.Theroomwassetupwith
everyoneseatedatsmalltables.Simple,quietsnackswereonthetablesanddrinks
wereavailableduringtheevent.Areceptionwasheldimmediatelyfollowingthe
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eventandpeoplenibbledoncookiesshapedlikemusicnotesandothersnackswhile
theytalkedandcompletedsurveys.
ThesecondteamwasforFindingGodinNature.Theteamhadseven
volunteersinadditiontotheorganist:twogardeners,onehunter,threemountain
climbers–twoofthemalsocampers;andonewholovesspendingtimeinnature.
MostofthemhadattendedFindingGodinMusicandwerefeelingintimidated.They
werenotatallsurethattheyhadanythingaswonderfultoofferasthefirstgroup,
whichseemedreadymadeforperformance.However,aswelistenedtotheir
storiestheyspokeofawe,wonder,holiness,andpresence.Theirexperiencesgave
voicetotheinsightofIranaeus,“Theinitialstepforasoultocometoknowledgeof
Godiscontemplationofnature.”20Themoretheyshared,themoreexcitedtheygot.
Duringtheinterludebetweenourfirstandsecondmeetingtheyemailedandspoke
withmeaboutnewideasandinsights.Thegroupmembersweresurprisingly
creative.Thegroupembodiedthepowerthatcomesfromlisteningtooneanother
respectfullyandappreciatively,asdescribedbyproponentsofAppreciativeInquiry:
…collaborative,innovative,andstrength‐basedprocessesemergewhen peopledialogueinanappreciativemode.Theprocessitselfenablesthemto co‐createafuturethatis‘owned’byallinvolvedinthedialogue;andthis ‘ownership’resultsincollaborativeprocessesforco‐creation.21Thequietwomanwhotoldastoryaboutbeingonabeachatnightwithherfamily
wheretheirfootprintsglowedphosphorescentgreencutoutlittlefabricfootprints
ofiridescentgreenandputthemonthetablesforpeopletotakehome.Thewoman20“BlessedEarth:SuggestionsforHonoringGod’sCreation,”accessedJanuary30,2017,http://www.blessedearth.org/wp‐content/uploads/2011/09/Creation‐Care‐Quotes.pdf.21JaneMagruderWatkins,BernardMohr,RalphKelly.AppreciateInquiry:ChangeattheSpeedofImagination(SanFrancisco:Pfeiffer,2011),4.
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wholovedtocampwithherfamilymadetinys’moresonpretzelsticksforthe
reception.Onegardenerarrangedfallleavesinbouquetsandbroughtfreeze‐dried
peastocomplementherstoryaboutshellingpeasfromhergrandmother’sgarden.
Thehunterwroteareflectiononthedeeplyspiritualexperienceofspendinghours
inatreestand.Whenhediscoveredaworkconflicttheeveningofoureventhis
wife,ourorganist,readhispiecedressedincamouflagebesidehistreestand.She
interjectedafewthoughtfulcommentsandtoldusaboutlearningtositinatree
standfromherhusband.Severalteammembersdressedincharacter,donning
hiking,camping,andgardeningclothes,alongwithappropriategear.Allthreeofthe
mountainclimbersshowedslidesofsomeofthemanypeakstheyhadclimbedand
broughtdisplaymaterialsforpeopletoexamineduringthereception.
ThethirdteamwasforFindingGodinServicetoOthers.Thegrouphadfive
volunteersinadditiontoourorganist.Thisteamwasdifferent,giventhesmaller
numberofparticipants,amajorityofintroverts,andthefactthattheyhaddifficulty
envisioningwhattheydidasanythingspecial.Intheteamwere:onewomanwho
initiallythoughtshewouldsimplyserveasbackuptoothers,helpingthemand
servingrefreshments;onemanwhoisayouthgroupleader,isverycerebral,and
reluctanttospeakofhisownextensiveservicetoothers;onemanwhoisquite
humbleandservesininnumerableways,bothlocallyandininternationalmission
work;andanextrovertedcouplewhoareveryinvolvedwithourdiocese’smedical
missiontoourcompaniondioceseinElSalvador,amongothersignificantwaysof
serving.Gettingthisgrouptotalk,toseethemselvesashavingastorysomeoneelse
wouldwanttohear,andtofeelconfidentinsharingtheirexperienceswasa
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challenge.Theyseemedtothinktheydidnothavethesamelevelofinherently
interestingexperiencestoshareasthefirsttwogroups,withtheexceptionofthe
couplewhodoesthemedicalmissionworkandwhoarepassionateaboutit.Much
moreactiveleadershipwasneededwiththisgrouptodrawthemout,toaffirmthe
valueofwhattheydid,andtocreateflowamongtheirvariouscontributions.In
keepingwiththeirdedicationtoservingothers,themajorityofthisgroup
volunteeredinordertobesupportiveofthedoctoralprojectandstretched
themselvesbeyondtheircomfortzonetodoso.ThetoneofFindingGodinServiceto
Otherswasquietandthoughtfulthroughout,whichreflectedthepeoplewho
participatedinleadingit.Peoplespokeeitherstandingwiththeirnotesonamusic
standorseatedonastool,withafewsimplepropsandvisualaidsfrommission
trips.Thecouplethatgoesonthemedicalmissionsetupanentiredisplayand
broughtsmallcrossesforeveryonetotakehome.Thereceptiontableswere
decoratedwithartfrommissiontripsandincludedfoodfromElSalvadorandother
missionareas,aswellasmorefamiliartreatsbakedbyourveryhospitablefemale
contributor.
Inworkingwiththeworshipteamleadersitwassurprisinghowlittleit
sometimestooktoleadtoasignificantchangeinthewaythatsomeonesaw
themselvesortheirplaceinthecommunity.Initiallythehuntervolunteered
jokingly,thinkinghewouldnotbewelcometoparticipate,buthewasencouragedto
speakhistruth.HeappreciatedthesuggestionthattheMaryOliverpoem“HowIgo
tothewoods”followhismeditation,andwasstunnedathowwellitcapturedhis
experience.Itmadeavisibledifferencetohimtobeincludedandtohavehis
18
experiencedvalidatedasspiritual.AsSereneJonesstated,“Feministswhostudy
community…neverdosoasdisinterestedacademicians…theyencouragethe
flourishingofall.”22Inthecaseofthewomanwhodidn’tseeherselfashaving
anythingtoofferthanbehindthescenesassistance,thesuggestionofacommon
threadoflovingservicethroughherseveralvignettesprovidedanaffirming
concept.Wereadapoemthatbegins,“There’sathreadyoufollow.Itgoesamong
thingsthatchange.Butitdoesn’tchange.”23Thatimagealteredherperspectiveso
muchthatsheincludeditinherpresentation.
Inthepreparationprocesstheworshipleaderssharedjoy,fun,quiet
reflection,science,humility,andsimplicity.Eachpresenterchosetheappropriate
wayforthemtoshareandwasexcitedfortheopportunity,humbledthatothers
wereinterestedintheirexperienceandvaluedtheirstory.Mostoftheparticipants
werelifelong,faithfulpeoplewhohadnotreallythoughtofdoingwhattheylovedas
anencounterwithGod.ThroughtheprocessofpreparingforFindingGodIn…
severalofthemcametorealize,likeTheRev.EdBacon,thattheyhad“experienced
whatitfeelsliketobeconnectedwiththeBeloved,thesourceofthemostpowerful
toolinourlives:love.”
WorshipEventLeaders:FollowingtheFindingGodIn…worshipeventsteam
memberswereaskedtocompleteasurveytoassesswhetherparticipatinginthe
22SereneJones.FeministTheoryandChristianTheology:CartographiesofGrace.(Minneapolis:FortressPress,2000),131.23WilliamStafford.“TheWayItIs,”inLeadingfromWithin:PoetryThatSustainstheCouragetoLead,ed.SamM.IntratorandMeganScribner(SanFrancisco:Jossey‐Bass,2007),11.
19
processofpreparingforandleadingoneofthealternativeservicesledtoanewor
renewedunderstandingoftheirrelationshipwithorunderstandingofGod,orwhat
AnthonyF.C.Wallacewouldcallreformulatingthe“mazeway,”andbegunaprocess
oftransformation.Firsttheywereaskedtoconsidertheirresponsestothefour
questionsontheinitialsurvey,addingtwoclarificationsandanadditionalquestion
toaddressthenuancelackingintheinitialsurvey.Addedtothequestionabout
whethertheyparticipatedinChristianFormationwas,“Ifso,whatandhow
recently?”Alsoaddedwasthequestion“DidyoufeelfamiliarwiththeBibleand
basicChristianhistory,theology,andpractice,aswellaswithconceptsofspiritual
giftsorpractices?”Finally,thosewhowerecomfortableofferinggiftsandabilitiesto
theChurchwereasked,“Ifso,weretheministriesorgiftsinareascultivatedwithin
oroutsideofchurch?”Tocontrastthebeforeandafterperspectives,thereweretwo
questions:“Haveyouranswerstoanyoftheabovequestionschanged?Ifso,how
andwhy?”and“Finally,pleasewriteadescriptionofwhatitwaslikeforyouto
participateasaworshipeventleaderandwhateffects,ifany,ithashadinyourlife.”
Onewomanwhoisveryactiveinchurchgaveanswersthatexemplifiedwhat
Ithoughtwouldbecommonforparishioners.BeforetheFindingGodIn…worship
eventsshewasquitehappywiththeservices.Whenaskedaboutlivingoutherfaith
duringtherestoftheweekshesaid,“Ihadneverreallythoughtaboutmyfaith
outsideofthechurchserviceandformalprayer.Itneveroccurredtomethatthere
areotherwaystobewithGod.”ShedidnotparticipateinChristianFormation,yet
saidshefeltfamiliarwith“basicChristianhistory,theologyandpractice.”Tothe
clarifyingquestionaboutformationsheadded,“Notoanykindofextendedthought
20
orpracticeofspiritualgifts.”Theareainwhichshefeelsmostconfidentintermsof
giftsismusic,indeedsheisamusicteacher,butsurprisinglyshereported,
Myelementaryschooldidnotoffergeneralmusic,somyonlyexposureto singingwasthroughSundaySchool,YouthGroup,andthechurchchoir.My firstvoiceteacherwasamemberofourcongregation.Churchmusictotally mademewhoIamtoday.Becausehelpingleadthemusicworshipeventissimilartowhatshealreadydoes
professionallyshewrote,“ThechangeformewasafterattendingtheFindingGodin
NatureserviceandseeingallthewaysIcan/ammakingspiritualconnectionsand
experiencesthatIneverrealized.”Whatledtogrowthforherwas“hearingand
seeingothersexperiences,particularly,Deirdre’swritingsonmusicandfaith.”She
personifiedthepracticeoforthopraxyfortransformationasdescribedsimplyby
RichardRohr,“Wedonotthinkourselvesintoanewwayofliving;butwelive
ourselvesintoanewwayofthinking.”24
Onemansimilarlyexpressedcontentmentwithtraditionalworshipservices.
Hewasabletotakeafocusfromthesermoneachweekandtriedtoapplyittodaily
living.HehadbrieflyparticipatedinChristianFormationandhadabasicfamiliarity
withChurchteaching,butfelthehadalottolearn.Asamedicalprofessionalhedid
nothavealotofconfidenceinapplyinghisskillsinachurchsetting.His
participationdefinitelymadeadifferenceforhim.Hewrote:
ItooktheassignmentofFindingGodInNatureveryseriouslyandsurprised myselfinfindingthatitledtoaverypersonalexaminationofmyreflections aboutbeinginthemountainsandhowitaffectedspecificinterpersonal relationshipswithfriendsandfamilyandhow,inlookingback,Icanseethat24RichardRohr.“OrthopraxyLeadstoRealOrthodoxy.”TheCenterforActionandContemplation.https://34dj3l269uzv2uy0oh3yzb0w‐wpengine.netdna‐ssl.com/wp‐content/uploads/2015/11/8‐ORTHOPRAXY‐LEADS‐TO‐REAL‐ORTHODOXY.pdf,1.
21
agreaterpowerwasaworkthenandsustainsmenow.Iknowthe experiencesthatIrelatedwereonlyoneofmanypathstofaithbutIwasglad fortheunderstandingofitandhappytohavebeenabletoshareitwith others.Somyanswerto#5wouldchangesinceIhavenowactually participatedinaministry–thankstoyou.Throughtheprocessofpreparingforandparticipatingintheworshipevent,hewas
abletodiscoverGodaspresentinhislifeinawayhehadnotrealized.AsTheRev.
EdBacon’sgraduateadvisoroncetoldhim,“Youcanbeexposedtothefinest
thinkingavailable,butitwon’tdoyouoranyoneelseanygoodifyoudon’tcookit
onyourownstove.”25
Awomanwhoisveryactiveinchurchandministryansweredyesto
everything,butclarifiedthatherministryissomethingthatwascultivatedoutside
thechurch.Thisgardenersaid,“FindingGodInwasawonderfulopportunityto
sharemystorywithmyfellowparishioners.Itisaveryvulnerablepositionto
expressfeelingsyouholddeeply.Iwassurprisedhoweasyitwasinthatcontext
andfeltfreetodoso.”Shealsoemphasizedathemeheardamongmanyresponses:
“ItwasachancetogettoknowtheirstoriesaswellandtheyALLbrought
fascinatinginsightsastowhereandhowtheyfoundGod…Itopenedmyeyesupto
seehowmanywaysIcouldfindGodthatIhadnotyetconsidered.”
Thefirstgardener,anextrovert,experiencedherstorytellingverydifferently
fromanothergardener,anintrovert.Theintrovertsaid,“Iamnotonetospeak
openlyaboutmyfaithorspirituallife.Sharingmyperspectiveonintentional
gardeningexperienceswiththelevelofopennessIchosefeltabittoointimatefor
thesetting.Ifeltexposed.”Yetshesaidthattheprocessofwritingwhatsheshared25EdBacon,8HabitsofLove:OpenYourHeart,OpenYourMind(Boston:GrandCentralLife&Style,2012),35.
22
leftherwithadeeperappreciationforhermeditationpracticeinthegarden.She
alsohadaninsightthataffirmedthepremiseofoneconnectionmakingothers
possible:
Listeningtotheotherparticipantssharetheirperspectiveshashelpedme realizemorefullythatthereareamultitudeofareasthatpeoplecanshare theexperienceofGodoutsidetheboundaryandlanguageofchurchandthat thosecommonareasmightactuallymaketheconnectiontoGodand communityeasier. Yetathirdleaderreflecteduponthechallengeofsharingdeeplypersonal
experiences.Healsointroducedtheideathathisparticipationbeganaprocessthat
iscontinuing:
Beingoneoftheleaderswasaverysignificantandemotionalexperiencefor me.Ithinkthisismainlybecauseitforcedmetoreallylookatandsharemy lifeandbeliefswithpeopleIknowwellandnotsowell.Iamaveryprivate personandusuallydon'tspeakaboutwhatI(actuallyDebbie)presentedand shared.I'mnotsureIcouldhavereadandwhatIwrotebecauseofthe emotionalcontent…Lastly,eventhoughtheservicesweredone,Ispentalot oftimegoingovermy"paper"whilesittinginmytreestanduntilmy operation,andthenwouldcomehomeandeditandaddthingstoit.Itstillis onmydesktopandI'msureIwillrevisitagain. Anotherwomanwhoisveryactiveinchurchperceivedaclearshift.In
respondingtowhethershehadaclearunderstandingofhowshemightliveouther
faithduringtheweek,shesaid,“IthoughtIdid–Ithoughttryingtomaketimeto
prayeverydayandlivemylifetryingtobeagoodpersonwaslivingmyfaith.”But
afterparticipatingasaworshipeventleadershewrote:
Thishasbeenbyfarthebiggestchange…theFindingGodinNatureservice hasleftmemoreappreciativeofthegiftsofGodandmoreabletoseeeven thethingsIdon’tloveasgifts.Ineverwouldhavethoughofweedingthe garden(oneofmyleastfavoritejobs)asawaytobeclosertoGod,butIdo now!
23
Throughtheprocessofpreparingfortheworshipevent,takingpartinleadingit,
andlisteningcarefullyandrespectfullytotheotherparticipants,thiswoman
showedanincreasedawarenessofthemanydiverseactivitiesthatcanbe
understoodasspiritualpractices,ifindeedtheyareplaceswhereoneencounters
Godinthemidstofdoingsomething.Spiritualpracticesarenotlimitedtoafew
religiousactivities,butcanincludealmostanythingthatcultivatesanawarenessof
God’spresence,wonder,awe,orgratitude.AsBrianMcClarenasserts,“Spiritual
practicesareaboutlife,abouttrainingourselvestobecomethekindsofpeoplewho
haveeyesandactuallysee,andwhohaveearsandactuallyhear,andso
experience…notjustsurvivalbutlife.”26
Twolongtimememberswhoaresteepedintheirfaithdidnotexperienceas
muchchangeasothers.Onemansaidthathisunderstandingoflivingouthisfaith
haschangedovertimeand“InowhavecometothinkofmuchofwhatIdoduring
theweekiseitherconsciouslyorunconsciouslyaprayerofferingtoGod,ornot.”
Theaspectofparticipatingasaworshipeventleaderthathevaluedwas“tobeable
tolistentoothersdescribehowtheirservicehasaffectedandchangedtheirlives.
Listeningtosomeone’slifestory,orapieceofit,canalwaysbepowerful.”Aclergy
widowsaid,“Althoughcontentwithcurrentservices,thisseriesprovidedanew,
creative,effectiveandenjoyablewaytolearnaboutGod’sgiftstousandhowwe
appreciateandmakeuseofthem.”Aswithhercolleagues,shehighlightedthe
impactofhearingthestoriesofotherleaders:“Thegreatestbenefitfrom
26BrianMcLaren.FindingOurWayAgain:TheReturnofAncientSpiritualPractices.(Nashville:ThomasNelson,2008),16.
24
participatingwaslearningabouttheinterestsofothersinourcongregationandhow
theyareusingtheirGod‐givengifts.”
Theorganistspokepositivelyoftheworshipevents,particularlyherpartin
readingherhusband’sreflection“FeelingGod’sPresenceinaTreeStand.”She
wrote,
Whenpeopleareallowedtoexpressthemselvescreatively,welearnalot abouteachother,andourmindsareopenedtonewwaysoflookingatlife, faith,andGod.Itwasanhonorformetoreadmyhusband’saccountofhow hefindsGodintheoutdoors.Somanypeopledon’tunderstandsomany thingsthatactuallyinformhisfaith–thiswasanopportunitytoopentheir minds. Onegentlemanwasnotabletomeetwiththeteaminpreparationfortheir
eventandapproachedhisnarrativemorelikearesearchpaperthanpersonal
sharing.Asamoreanalyticalpersonitsuitedhim,butalsodidnotrevealmuch
abouthim.Hereportedtheleastchangesaying,“Myparticipationleadtoanew
understandingofgivingfromperspectivesIwasnotpreviouslyawareofandwhich
Ibelievewillbeusefulinthefuturebuttheexperiencewasnotparticularlyhelpful
inmyspiritualjourney.”
WorshipEventAttenders:FiftypeopleattendedFindingGodinMusic,27ofwhom
completedsurveys.Asanticipatedmanysaidtheycametosupportsomeone
(48.14%);asignificantnumbercitedtheirreasonsforcomingasaloveofmusic,
andanequalnumberwerecurious(29.62%each).Allwerepleasedwithcurrent
worshipservices.Whenaskedtheirresponsetotheeventandwhetheritinfluenced
theirperspectiveonmusicandfindingaconnectionwithGodresponsesincluded
theverypositive:“JOY!Yes,musicisaformofprayer”;“Musicisthebeautiful
25
connectionbetweenusandGod”;“Anymusicthatseekstruthinspiresacloser
connectiontoGod”;“Itwastender,movingandauthentic”;“Magnificent–Holy
Spiritflowing.”Twelverespondents(44.44%)echoedthesentimentexpressedby
thisperson:“Ihavealwaysfoundmusichelpfultomyworshipexperience,this
eventstrengthenedanddeepenedit…lovelytoseeothersexpressthis.”Twosaid
no,“musicnotmything.”Onewasdisappointed,“Abitgeneric–Idon’tknowwhy
welistenedtopopsongs.”
Whenaskediftheeventpromptedanyactionorinterestontheirpart,people
said:“ItakeawaythoughtsthatIwillreflectuponintermsofmylife&God”;“It
openedmyeyestobeingmoreintentionalaboutlettingmusicconnectmetofaith”;
“Alwaysinterestedinnewthings.ItshowsadifferentpathtoGod”;“Encouragedby
sonandmyselftodomoremusicandthroughthisexp.tobeclosetoGod”;and
numerouspeoplesaidtheywouldlikemoresuchevents.Finally,inreactionto
whetherthiseventhelpedthemimagineaconnectiontoGodintheireverydaylife
throughsomethingtheylovepeoplewrote:“Itdoeshelpmeimagine&provoke
thoughtsaboutGod&spirituality”;“AsItryandoftenfailtohaveGodwithmeinmy
everydaylifeIwillnowtrytofindnewwaystohavethatconnection”;“Iplayand
singprivatelyasitisapartofmyspirituallife.Thiseventwilldeepenmy
experience”;“IthelpsmetoappreciateGodmoreineverydaythings”;“That’llbe
niceandletGodworkonmeandmyfamilytofindaconnectioninthefuture.”
Thirty‐sixpeopleattendedFindingGodinNatureand19returnedsurveys.I
dividedthesurveysintotwogroups,asurveyidenticaltotheoneforFindingGodin
Musicforfirsttimeattenders,andaseparatesurveyforthosewhohadcometothe
26
firstevent.TenofthecompletedsurveyswerefromthosewhowerenewtoFinding
GodIn…series.Fourattendedbecauseoftheirloveofnatureandsixtobe
supportive.Eightwerecontentwithpresentworshipservices,oneattendschurch
occasionally,andonedoesnotattend.Theirresponsestotheeventwereall
positive,withan“Awesome!”amongthem.Theinfluenceithadontheirsenseofa
connectionbetweenGodandnatureincluded:“Tonight’seventhadacalmingeffect.
IknowI’llbethinkingaboutallthatwassharedinthedaysahead.”Fivepeople
expressedasenseofaffirmation,“Thiseveninghasreinforcedmybeliefinthe
relationshipbetweenGodandnature.”Onepersonappliedtheexperienceto
consideringbroaderpersonalapplication,“Itgivesmepausetoseewhatinmy
regularexperiencesmightdothesame.”Twopeopleechoedthesentiment
expressedinthemusicevent,“IfeellikeIhaveabetterconnection/understanding
ofthosewhopresented.”Whenaskedwhatchangethisexperiencemightpromptfor
them,peoplesaid:“Iplantoattendthenextevent,and[mymiddleschooldaughter]
wouldliketojoinme”and“Gohikingandgardening!”Awomanwhocoordinates
natureoutingsinourcongregationwrote,“Reinforcesmyinterestinproviding
othersachancetoexplorenature.”Onesaid,“ItdoesbutasIhavemanydiverse
interestsitissometimesdifficulttothinkofwhatwillbringmetothislevel”;
another“Toremindmyselftobepresent.”AvisitorfromanotherEpiscopalparish
said,“Ithinkthiskindofworshipexperiencewouldbewelcomeinmyhome
congregation.”Whenaskediftheeventhelpedthemimaginewheretheymightfind
aconnectiontoGodintheireverydaylife,manysimplysaidyes,whileothers
elucidated:“Iwilllookclosertofindingthoseeventsinmylife,orlookingatthose
27
differentthingsIdoinabetterlighttowardsGod”and“Ithasencouragedmetolook
atloveandmyrelationshipsdifferently.”
AmongtheninewhohadattendedFindingGodinMusicpreviouslyand
completedasurvey,fourcametoFindingGodinNaturetosupportothers,twowere
curious,onehadaloveofnature,andthreeweretherebecausetheyhadapositive
experienceatthefirstevent,onesaying,“LastweekIwasofferedmanydifferent
avenuestoseekGodandwashopingformorethisweek.”Askediftheyattended
otherworshipserviceshowthesecomparedrespondentssaid:“Thesearemuch
different&createanewworshipperspective&focus”;“They’vemademe
personallyreflectonmyownexperiences”;“Yes,thishasbeenfunandalearning
experience”;“AveryintimateapproachtoGod.”Threefocusedonothers,“These
areverypersonal.Iunderstandmyfellowparishionersonamuchdeeperlevel.”In
termsofapersonalresponseandfindingaconnectionwithGod,theywrote:“Ithas
mademethinkdifferently”;“Theytookmetoaspecialplace,oneofappreciation,
relaxation&joy”;“I’llthinkmoreaboutGodonmynextrun”;“They’vemademe
personallyreflectonmyownexperiences.”Threefoundthealternativeservices
reinforcedwhattheyalreadyknew.Thefinalquestion,whethertheevents
promptedanychangesinhowtheythinkaboutwhattheyloveandwhattheymight
dowithit,ledtotheseanswers:“Tobeabletoshareitwithotherpeopleespecially
youngpeople”;“Morereflectionthanchange”;“It’spromptingmetothinkcarefully
abouthowIapproachthepossibilityoflookingforanewjob”and“I’mworkingon
that.”
28
ThirtypeopleattendedFindingGodinServicetoOthers.Elevenfilledout
surveysandanother9attendedallthreeworshipeventsandwerenotaskedto
completeanothersurvey.Amongthefirsttimeattenderstwohadaninterestin
service,twowishedtobesupportive,twowerecurious,andonesawitadvertisedin
anotherchurch’sbulletin.Allattendedchurchservicesregularly.Amongtheir
responsesandpossiblechangesinperspectivewere:“Wonderfullisteningtotheir
storiesandexperiences”;“Thoughtprovoking”;“Broadenedmyperspective”;
“VolunteeringhasalwaysbeenaprioritybutoftendonotassociateitwithGod”and
“Morefellowshipandlearningthanworship.”Astowhethertheeventprompted
anyactionontheirpartpeoplesaid:“Helpothers–bethankfulforallIhave”;
“LearnabouttheserviceaspectsofotherAnglicans”;“Enjoyedlisteningtopeople
reflectontheirownexperiencesandwouldenjoylearningmore”and“Already
pursuingapathofservice.”ThefourwhoattendedapreviousFindingGodIn
servicecamebecausetheywereinterestedinthetopic,tobesupportive,thought
thefirstonewas“veryworthwhile”,andonewas“Inspiredtoseehowpeopleinour
congregationseeGodintheirservicetoothers.”Allattendotherservicesand
valuedtheseevents,“IthelpsgiveanappreciationofotherwaystoexperienceGod’s
presence.”Allfourwerepositiveinresponsetotheeventsandmostfound
connections:“Verythoughtprovokingandspirituallynurturingandchallenging”;
“Encouragesmetofindwaystoserveothersoutsideofregularworshipandparish
work”and“Findingwaysinmyownlifetodomoretoserveothers,andbydoingso
seeingourLord.”AsforchangesinhowtheythinkaboutwhattheyloveandGod
theysaid:“Itryto‘seekGodinallthings.’Theseeventsarehelpfulremindersof
29
howpervasivethatsearchcanbe”;“Mightspendmoretimeincharitable/volunteer
work”and“Findingwaysinmyownlifetobetterserveothers.”
ProjectEffectiveness:WewereabletosuccessfullycreatethreethematicFinding
GodIn…worshipevents.Eachofthesealternativeserviceswasofferedasa
complementtotraditionalworship,wasledanddevelopedbylaypeoplebasedin
somethingtheylovedandinwhichtheyfindaconnectionwithGodinthedailylives,
andcuratedbyme.Throughemails,signupsheets,andconversations,peopleofthe
parishidentifiedwhattheyloved,whichledtothethreefocifortheevents:music,
nature,andservingothers.Accordingtoreturnedsurveysandconversations,the
processofpreparationforandleadershipoftheworshipeventshelpedallbutone
leadereitheraffirmorexpandtheirperspectivetoseetheactivitytheyloveasa
placewheretheyencounterGod.TheFindingGodIn…alternativeservicescreateda
uniquecontextinwhichtheycouldsharetheirexperiencesaspartofaworship
event.Finally,theeventsdidintegrateworshipandChristianformationsothatit
waslayled,attractedtheinterestofotherpeople,and,accordingtothecomments
onthesurveys,revitalizedthefaithofmanyleadersandattenders.
ThetheoreticalquestionwaswhetherFindingGodIn…asalayledalternative
worshipeventbasedinsomethingpeoplelove,wouldleadtoaperiodof
Revitalization,sothatnewlifewouldbebreathedintothepeopleofChristChurch
andbeyond.ThethreeFindingGodIn…eventswereanexperimenttoseeifthis
approachcouldcreateareformulationofwhatAnthonyF.C.Wallacecalledthe
“mazeway,”therebyallowingpeopletoenvisionaneworrenewedwayof
30
understandingtheirrelationshiptoGod.Ifso,Ibelievedthatthesedistinctiveevents
hadthepotentialtoinitiateaprocessofCulturalTransformation,aswellasspiritual
transformation,changingthecultureofChristChurchwithoutharmingtheexisting
good.
MyconclusionisthattheFindingGodIn…worshipeventsdohavethepower
toinitiaterevitalization.Clearchangewasevidentinthewordsofoneleader,who
movedfromnothavingaconceptofinteractionwithGodotherthanchurchservices
andformalprayer,“Itneveroccurredtomethatthereareotherwaystobewith
God,”tohavingasignificantlybroaderunderstandingofGod’spresenceineveryday
life,“…seeingallthewaysIcan/ammakingspiritualconnectionsandexperiences
thatIneverrealized.”Leaderscommentedbothonachangeinperceptionforboth
theirownexperienceandfromthoseofothers,whichexpandedtheirunderstanding
ofwhereandhowpeoplecouldencounterGod:“Itopenedmyeyesuptoseehow
manywaysIcouldfindGodthatIhadnotyetconsidered,”and“…therearea
multitudeofareasthatpeoplecansharetheexperienceofGodoutsidetheboundary
andlanguageofthechurch.”Theimpactofpersonalexperiencechangedtheir
understandingandempoweredthemtohearothersaswell,demonstratingthetruth
ofRichardRohr’steachingabouttheimportanceoforthopraxy:
Somehowweneedtoengageinhands‐onexperience,emotionalrisktaking, movingoutsideofourcomfortzones,withdifferentpeoplethanourusual flatteringfriends.Weneedsomeexpandedlevelofspiritualseeingor nothingreallychangesatadeeplevel.27
27Rohr.OrthopraxyLeadstoRealOrthodoxy,1.
31
Amongthepeoplewhoattendedtheworshipeventsandcompletedsurveys
16(32%)ofthosefromFindingGodinMusicsaidtheyhadexperiencedachanged
perspectiveontherelationshipbetweenmusicandfindingaconnectionwithGodor
findingaconnectionwithGodintheireverydaylifethroughsomethingtheylove,
and10(20%)saiditaffirmedaconnectiontheyalreadyfelt.Thesurveysfrom
FindingGodinNatureshowed11(36.66%)peopleexperiencingapositivechangein
theirunderstandingand7(23.33%)feelingtheirperspectiveaffirmed.Lastly,the
surveysfromFindingGodinServicetoOthersindicatedthat9(81.81%)respondents
hadexperiencedapositivechangeinunderstanding.Inaddition,thelevelofenergy
andenthusiasmfollowingeacheventwasremarkable,andIreceivednumerous
requestsforChristChurchtohavemoreFindingGodIn…worshipevents,and
peoplevolunteeredtoleadandsupportthem.
32
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Appendix:SurveysandResponses
DoctorofMinistryProjectInitialParishSurveyTheRev.DenaCleaver‐BartholomewPleasefillouttheshortsurveybelowandreturnittotheoffice.Pleasefeelfreetoaddcommentsorexplain.Thankyou.1.WhatisyourresponsetothecurrentformatforworshipatChristChurchwithTheHolyEucharist,RiteII(withtraditionalhymnodyatthelaterservice,accompaniedbyorganorpiano)?__Positive__Content__Neutral__Dissatisfied__Negative2.DoyoufeelaclearconnectionbetweenworshiponSundayandlivingoutyourfaiththerestoftheweek?__Yes__Somewhat__No3.DoyouparticipateinanykindofadultChristianFormation(reading,class,Biblestudy,etc.)?Ifso,pleasedescribe.__Yes_____________________________________________________________________________No4.Doyoufeelconfidentinyourabilitytoleadaministryorofferyourgiftsandabilitiesatchurch?__Yes__Somewhat__No
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DoctorofMinistryProjectInitialParishSurveyResponses
Positive70%
Content17%
Neutral9%
Dissatisfied4% Negative
0%
Responses1
Yes58%
Somewhat38%
No4%Responses2
36
Yes34%
No66%
Responses3
Yes60%
Somewhat19%
No21%
Responses4
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FindingGodInMusicsurveyThankyouforcomingtoFindingGodinMusic.PleaserespondtothefollowingquestionsforMotherDena’sDoctorofMinistryproject.Pleasefeelfreetowriteonthebackifmorespaceisneeded.1.Whatencouragedyoutocometothisworshipevent?2.Doyouattendotherworshipservices?Ifso,howwouldyoudescribethem?3.Whatisyourresponsetothisevent?HasitinfluencedyourperspectiveontherelationshipbetweenmusicandfindingaconnectionwithGod?4.Doesyourexperienceofthiseventpromptanyactionorinterestinfutureevents,relationships,oractivities?Ifso,what?5.DoesthiseventhelpyouimaginewhereyoumightfindaconnectiontoGodinyoureverydaylifethroughsomethingyoulove?Couldyouenvisionyourselfbeingpartofaworshipteamforaneventlikethis?
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FindingGodinMusicReasonsforAttending
FindingGodinNatureReasonsforAttending
13
8 8
Support Topic Curious
MusicMusic
10
5
2 3
Support Topic Curious PositiveExp
NatureNature
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FindingGodinServicetoOthersReasonsforAttending
FindingGodInMusicInfluenceonPerspective(Questions3‐5)
3 3 3
1 1
Support Topic Curious PositiveExp Advertising
ServiceService
Affirmed37%
Changed59%
No4%
40
FindingGodinNatureInfluenceonPerspective
FindingGodinServicetoOthersInfluenceonPerspective
Affirmed37%
Changed58%
No5%
Changed82%
No18%
Affirmed0%
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FindingGodInNaturesurveyThankyouforcomingtoFindingGodinNature.PleaserespondtothefollowingquestionsforMotherDena’sDoctorofMinistryproject.Pleasefeelfreetowriteonthebackifmorespaceisneeded.1.Whatencouragedyoutocometothisworshipevent?2.Doyouattendotherworshipservices?Ifso,howwouldyoudescribethem?3.Whatisyourresponsetothisevent?HasitinfluencedyourperspectiveontherelationshipbetweennatureandfindingaconnectionwithGod?4.Doesyourexperienceofthiseventpromptanyactionorinterestinfutureevents,relationships,oractivities?Ifso,what?5.DoesthiseventhelpyouimaginewhereyoumightfindaconnectiontoGodinyoureverydaylifethroughsomethingyoulove?Couldyouenvisionyourselfbeingpartofaworshipteamforaneventlikethis?
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FindingGodInNaturesurveyforthosewhoattendedFindingGodinMusicThankyouforcomingtoFindingGodinNature.PleaserespondtothefollowingquestionsforMotherDena’sDoctorofMinistryproject.Pleasefeelfreetowriteonthebackifmorespaceisneeded.1.WhatencouragedyoutoattendanotherFindingGodIn…worshipevent?2.Doyouattendothertypesofworshipservices?Ifso,howdothesecompare?3.Whatisyourresponsetotheseevents?HavetheyencouragedyoutothinkdifferentlyaboutwhereandhowyoumightfindaconnectionwithGod?4.Doesyourexperienceoftheseeventspromptedanychangesinhowyouthinkaboutwhatyouloveandwhatyoumightdowithit?
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FindingGodInServicetoOtherssurveyThankyouforcomingtoFindingGodinServicetoOthers.PleaserespondtothefollowingquestionsforMotherDena’sDoctorofMinistryproject.Pleasefeelfreetowriteonthebackifmorespaceisneeded.1.Whatencouragedyoutocometothisworshipevent?2.Doyouattendotherworshipservices?Ifso,howwouldyoudescribethem?3.Whatisyourresponsetothisevent?HasitinfluencedyourperspectiveontherelationshipbetweenservicetoothersandfindingaconnectionwithGod?4.Doesyourexperienceofthiseventpromptanyactionorinterestinfutureevents,relationships,oractivities?Ifso,what?5.DoesthiseventhelpyouimaginewhereyoumightfindaconnectiontoGodinyoureverydaylifethroughsomethingyoulove?Couldyouenvisionyourselfbeingpartofaworshipteamforaneventlikethis?
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FindingGodInServicetoOtherssurveyforthosewhoattendedapreviousFindingGodineventThankyouforcomingtoFindingGodinServicetoOthers.PleaserespondtothefollowingquestionsforMotherDena’sDoctorofMinistryproject.Pleasefeelfreetowriteonthebackifmorespaceisneeded.1.WhatencouragedyoutoattendanotherFindingGodIn…worshipevent?2.Doyouattendothertypesofworshipservices?Ifso,howdothesecompare?3.Whatisyourresponsetotheseevents?HavetheyencouragedyoutothinkdifferentlyaboutwhereandhowyoumightfindaconnectionwithGod?4.Doesyourexperienceoftheseeventspromptedanychangesinhowyouthinkaboutwhatyouloveandwhatyoumightdowithit?
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DoctorofMinistrySurveyforWorshipTeamleadersThankyoutoeachofyouforparticipatinginoneormoreoftheFindingGodIn…worshipevents.Ihaveafewbriefquestionsforyoubelow.Beyondthat,Iwouldtrulyappreciatewhateveradditionalfeedbackyouarewillingtoshareabouttheexperienceofbeingaworshipeventleaderandanylastingimpactitmayhavehadforyou.Pleaseansweronaseparatesheetofpaper,preferablywithyournameonit.Mother Dena+ PriortoparticipatinginFindingGodIn… 1. WereyoucontentwiththeworshipservicesatChristChurch?Pleasesaywhich
serviceyouattend.2. DidyouhaveaclearunderstandingofhowthefaithexpressedonSundayin
worshipcouldbelivedoutduringtherestoftheweek?3. HadyouparticipatedinBiblestudyorothertypesofadultChristianFormation?
Ifso,whatandhowrecently?4. DidyoufeelfamiliarwiththeBibleandbasicChristianhistory,theology,and
practice,aswellaswithconceptsofspiritualgiftsorpractices?5. Didfeelconfidenttoleadaministryorofferyourgiftsandabilitiesatchurch?If
so,weretheministriesorgiftsinareascultivatedwithinoroutsideofchurch?SinceparticipatinginFindingGodIn…Haveyouranswerstoanyoftheabovequestionschanged?Ifso,howandwhy?Finally,pleasewriteadescriptionofwhatitwaslikeforyoutoparticipateasaworshipeventleaderandwhateffects,ifany,ithashadinyourlife.
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