Learning and Growing
Recently
I saw a study of “successful aging.” According
to the study, the number one factor in whether or not a person
ages gracefully experiencing "the joy of being a ifetime
learner" . . ,” There really is something
to the old adage that we older adults must “learn something
new every day” in order to stay youthful in spirit.
Perhaps
that’s why I have so enjoyed my role as Bishop – I
am forced, by the demands of this job, to learn something new
every day. It’s rather amazing that I could say that – after
all, I spent over two decades working at a university before
coming here. And yet, it’s true. This job has
been the most demanding educational experience of my life.
Recently
I spent a day learning from a group of our assembled clergy and
laity who were convened by Dale Cohen to discuss the state of
the church, to label what we’ve learned and what we’ve
achieved, to note lingering problems, and to give me my job description
for the next four years. It was a great day, a gratifying
time in which we claimed what has been done and we named that
which is yet to be done to make our church more faithful to Christ’s
mandates.
After
the day was over, I listed my major learning from the discussion:
- A great deal has been changed in our Conference that moves
us from a culture in which decline and loss are normal into
a culture in which growth and forward movement are planned
for, evaluated, and expected.
- There seems to be widespread understanding and enthusiasm
for our Four Priorities as a way of focusing our work and moving
us forward for the Kingdom.
- There is much encouragement, particularly from the laity,
about more attention to results, particularly growth in our
churches.
- There is a need for, and much encouragement of, greater accountability
among our clergy and churches that is specifically linked to
growth.
- Many note and appreciate the changing role of the District
Superintendent as a coach, mentor, and supervisor. As
I noted, one of our slogans on the Cabinet is that the D.S.
doesn’t only “make appointments” but also “makes
appointments work.”
- There is real pride that our Conference has become a leader
in starting new communities of faith.
Thanks to all of you who are teaching me that our beloved
connection can have a future, that God has great things in store
for us if we will take risks for God, change lives, and grow
more disciples (Conference Vision Statement).
I am so grateful to have been given another four years among
you.
Will Willimon
