Shaped by the Call of the World to Service
When dealing with difficult issues our first reaction may be to move too quickly from, “Here’s a problem that needs solving” to “Here’s what we should do.” This four-step process invites us to listen to God’s call through the needs of the world by carefully attending, listening to voices that might not be heard, digging deeper and seeing what might not at first be visible. We need then to be shaped biblically and theologically so that our ministry is in the image of God. Then, and only then, can we explore ministry options and act. This process will take an hour or more.
ATTENDING, LISTENING, OBSERVING
What is going on (the surface issue)?
What is the context?
What are the issues behind the issue?
What are the obstacles to our understanding?
EXPLORING, SEEKING PERSPECTIVEWhat is going on from the perspective of different people?
Who is not present? Who is voiceless? What might they say?
What cultural influences are at work here?
What systemic evils, or “isms,” might be at work?
REFLECTING, SEARCHING
What beliefs are represented here?
What theological issues do we see?
What images of God and God at work do we see?
What biblical themes do we see?
How do Scripture, creeds and confessional understandings inform our decision-making?
MINISTRY OPTIONS
How do we become part of the solution rather than part of the problem?
What is the need for the gospel, for grace, in this situation?
Who needs ministry here?
What are the possibilities for ministry?
What obstacles might we encounter? How do we decide what roles are needed and who is called for what role? How do we call each other to faithful accountability?
Background
The Women of the ELCA conducted a number of retreats across the country in 1997-1998 titled, “Feasting at Katy’s Table.” Dr. Norma Cook Everist, professor of Church and Ministry at Wartburg Seminary was featured speaker at these retreats which covered a whole range of topics on Lutheran theology and faith and developed this process for dealing with difficult issues. Women of the ELCA videotaped this retreat and published a planning guide to accompany the videotape that was first presented in 1999 at the Women of the ELCA’s Fourth Triennial Convention in St. Louis.
“Called to Deal with Difficult Issues: A Challenging Ministry” contains one segment of the material covered in “Feasting at Katy’s Table” and was published as a separate booklet in 2002. This resource is now on the Women of the ELCA website. It is a more detailed account of the process above with samples and helps on how to use the process. The time suggested is three one-hour sessions or a half-day period.
Whether we are aware of it or not, our theology informs our decisions. Every decision we make, individually, and as a group, is based on our values and our beliefs. In our decision-making we are acting on our theology. Martin Luther said that at the core of our beliefs are our gods. In this process we become more clear about what our beliefs are. We then have new lenses through which to view the daily news and a deeper way to think about these events and issues.
Dr. Everist used this process at the annual meeting of the Lutheran Deaconess Conference in Oklahoma City, July, 2011, “Shaped to Serve.” She uses a similar process each fall with senior seminarians at Wartburg seminary who write case studies from field work and internship. This process remains timely, even as the issues change. It works equally well when considering the issue of homeless, global warming, or a congregational conflict. It draws upon what we believe and what others may believe and helps us search for God’s grace and justice in everyday situations. We are shaped by the call of the world to service and empowered for ministry and mutual accountability.