The Gift of Teaching

The new Sunday school year begins this week. That means all sorts of organizational tasks have been happening, including the calling forth of teachers. The conversation that surrounds this often focuses on the person's perception that one must have all the answers to the hard questions otherwise he/she is not qualified to teach. I realized a long time ago that I am not responsible for another's answers. The real gift of teaching is to be free to risk the questions, to share our faith stories and to recognize that growth comes through the struggle. It seems that those teachers who have most influenced my life were not those who made the faith simple and easy to understand. The teachers who have encouraged me to struggle with the questions are the ones that have been the most effective. The answers come as we live in the Spirit, and hold each other in love. We, the learners, become empowered to define that which is meaningful in our lives and to identify with scripture. We are formed and transformed into disciples of Jesus Christ. As teachers and learners may this year be one of living into the questions.

Hiatus to End

Yes, I realize that I haven’t paid attention to my blog since April and I’m not sure why. But, trying to find excuses has inspired me to try again. It would seem quite appropriate that I reflect on why I use social media.

Last summer a confluence of three events – Facebook, Twitter and iPhone - refocused my life in many ways. It all started when I decided I needed to check out FB and Twitter for its possible use as First Church communication tools. Almost immediately, I was captivated by the wide variety of voices, which were expressing their thoughts and sharing information. It was apparent that we should add this to our methods of communication and thanks to James Sturgeon, the church soon had a FB page and a Twitter account.

Personally, I am not only enjoying social media as a way of connecting with church members, but also with friends and family. Knowing what is happening in their everyday lives gives me a stronger sense of relationship with them. Immediate concerns can be addressed through a visit, a phone call, an e-mail message and/or a prayer. I enjoy being in community with new and old friends, young and old. As we share personal moments, I feel that we allow a more genuine caring relationship to happen in this often disconnected society. Also, for an effective ministry, I have to be in tune with our changing culture that seems often to be revealed through social media. My Twitter world shares breaking news and interesting links to the latest thoughts about technology, politics, religion and ministry. Through well-known to lesser-known voices, I am able to capture a glimpse of important cultural trends and perspectives. However, all of this does consume time and I have to be careful to avoid over-consumption, esp. since my dear husband introduced me to my iPhone. Almost anytime or anywhere I can be connected. Yet, I have neglected my blogging.

For the past five years I have used my blog, A Pilgrim’s Perspective, as a means of sharing my thoughts and reflections on a variety of topics. At times it has served as a forum for discussion and always a learning place for me as it is in the expression of these thoughts that I have been able to crystallize my thinking and name what is important to me. I know that it is my responsibility as a clergyperson to give voice to issues that we as Christians and responsible citizens need to address and this has given me a place to do so. So, why have I found it increasingly difficult to do this? Perhaps, it is because I feel that the thinking about such subjects is shaped for many persons by influential factors other than faith and reason. I have become discouraged in our ability to have productive discussions. But, my call to ministry as a deacon invokes a commitment to connect our faith beyond the steeple. Social media, including blogging, may be an important way. I am willing to try. Blog #639.