This spring I took a class – “Becoming Church” – at the Church of the Saviour’s Servant Leadership School. We talked about some radical basics of authentic church: what it means when “two or three are gathered”; being vs. doing; relationship; brokenness; leadership; Christ and culture; and spiritual growth.
The class reminded me of the Covenant Discipleship model from my first year (2000-01) as an MTS student at Wesley. I was not terribly enthused about this requirement. Although it was a nice way to learn about others’ approaches to prayer and devotion, I didn’t think much about how such groups – with their openness, intentionality, and accountability – could deeply shape spirituality and community.
Fast forward seven years. I had finished a five year stint doing faith-based policy and advocacy work for a national Christian organization. And I was invested in a
faith community “doing church” in creative ways. But aspects of my faith journey had not been addressed. I was becoming well-versed in matters of social change, ecumenism, and biblical interpretation. Absent, however, was more than lip service to the importance of spirituality, prayer, and contemplation. I had not really been vulnerable and open to how being and listening can impact my life.
An epiphany led me to focus intently for several months on the new way in which God wanted to use me. Only recently have I understood that this Sabbath time, as important as it was by itself, was really preparation for something “bigger.” I have comfort and insight regarding the next phase of my calling, which will help me confront basic and daunting questions:
How do I die to self? What am I willing to learn?
It’s not just about me. The answers lie somewhere in the mix of core questions about who I was created to be, but also about what we were created to be. On one hand it’s simple: church should be a nurturing and safe space to take on the hardest and most joyous elements of life together with honesty and vulnerability. The challenge is accomplishing this if we believe that the “two or three,” and more, should not all look, think, and act like us – and if we are available to be swept away by their questions.
The last assignment for my “Becoming Church” class was to write about the essentials needed for church today. This is the best I can do right now:
Essentials
To die to self
It takes a plan
To seek the Way of Jesus
Give it time, but not your own
Augustine asked then said “not yet”
I ask then wait then pray
Pray about how to pray about
Is that a good plan?
Or too much not yet?
I think
Help me be quiet
Not just with God
Listen to others and be led
Affirm God and others
Be available
Do presence
And don’t run from the loss, love, and grace you don’t know
Justice and mercy are eye to eye
But need hand in hand
The plan
The prayer
Teresa prayed Our Father only for 18 years
Is it good enough for me?
Is tomorrow too long for not yet?
The Covenant Discipleship model stays with me, as well as ideas for Spiritual Support Groups. Could the most important thing I learned at Wesley be one of the first models for Becoming Church? To be determined.
What are your essentials?
Classes at Wesley aren't just about academic knowledge; they cause us to think about the way we live, do ministry, and follow God. If you are interested in learning more about Wesley's spiritual formation, ministry placements, and degree programs, contact Beth in the Admissions Office at (202) 885-8653 or bludlum@wesleyseminary.edu.
Yonce Shelton (MTS in Social Ethics '02) is transitioning from shaping policy to shaping people. He just began a Master's in Pastoral Counseling and feels called to focus on spirituality, vocation, and leadership in the political arena.