Are we doing it again?

By Phil Brown

Synod Executive

Bill McAtee, in his book, “Dreams, Where Have You Gone? Clues for Unity and Hope,” describes the litany of divisions of the Presbyterian church.

The book lists all the reasons for the splits and then recounts a reunion a few years later.

And then, interestingly enough, there’s a confession for each one … “our divisions really did little to strengthen the church during our divide.”

The author summarizes what was referred to as the “futility and unwisdom of having divided” (p. 59).

It’s odd and discouraging to me that we don’t seem to learn from our journey. In part, I believe, because we allow ourselves to become full – full of answers and ourselves rather than questions that serve the common good.

Are we set to go through this again?

We live and minister in very anxious times. Many of our congregations, and most of all our presbyteries and synods, are in times of significant transition, challenging our sense of groundedness in Jesus Christ and His church in whatever form it is becoming.

I invite you – wherever you may be on your journey – to shape a question that will allow you to be attuned and responsive to the Common Good.