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Design Team sheds light

In this month’s blog, “Home Words Bound,” Benton Heisler encourages us to keep moving with the light.

REV. BENTON HEISLER
Director of Connectional Ministries, West Michigan

benton3I love the story set in the times of years ago when there was little, if any, light in the countryside. No mercury vapor spotlights illuminating the barnyard, no LED flashlight to shine on the path before you. The child and grandparent are walking toward the large dim outline of the barn as seen against the stars of the night sky. Their only source of light is the covered globe kerosene lantern. The child voices the concern of not being able to see very far. The wise grandparent replies, that “We only need to walk to the edge of the light, and then our next steps will come into view.”

I have been honored to be part of the Design Team working on the details that will contribute to our creating a “new Conference.” Our process has not been full of “steps taken in the dark”, but we have intentionally taken steps and then involved others around us to reflect upon and guide the steps that are to follow. The initial process of, “Should we take these steps forward together?” was guided by Bishop Kiesey. Bishop Bard now wisely, patiently and actively is walking with us as we see exactly where the next steps lead.

Various sub-groups worked on a wide range of details over the summer and into the fall. The “drafts” of this work have been reviewed during October by over 100 person from both Conferences and have included the following:  the Design Team, the Area Full Cabinet, the Area Conference Leadership Team, the Area Committee on Nominations, the Committees on Standing Rules/Rules of Order, the Area Annual Conference Program Committee, the Area Personnel Committee, various ministry areas and staff.

This week the Design Team convenes to compile and act upon the feedback suggestions and questions this month-long review has generated. This weekend and next week this material goes to an even wider audience as it is presented in the Listening Sessions and posted on-line. The Design Team plans to follow the steps noted below:

  1. The process of listening and compiling and conferring is repeated during November – January.
  2. Your email comments and suggestions are encouraged through February 1, 2017 at Design [email protected].
  3. Compilation of feedback is brought to the February 7, 2017 Design Team for discussion/action.
  4. February/March #3 above is repeated, as needed or as is possible.
  5. The Design Team plans to provide a time in March for additional staff feedback on the Structure and Staffing model.
  6. April 6, Design Team takes action on all materials that will be those items posted on-line 4/15/17 and acted upon at the 2017 Annual Conference.

We see this process as one way of “moving as far as the light is provided” and then we take our next steps of faith as we are guided on this journey.

I pray that many of you will participate in the Listening Sessions and forward comments to our Design Team email so that we have your affirmations, your questions for greater clarity and your ideas for improvements. The more we all participate, the more familiar we are with where we have been and how we arrived at the conclusions and destinations in the process.

Why be familiar with the people and process, memorize scripture, and exercise our faith? I am guided by a person with just that name. Faith moved into our home in July of 2005 after the death of her husband. Linda and I had conversed and agreed that without consistent health care, physical and mental stimulation her mom would likely have a very poor quality of life and probably not live much longer. Eleven years later the more positive outcomes have proven to be true. She has seen weddings, births and graduations not even imagined a decade ago. She has provided encouragement, wise counsel, mentoring and love to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren along the way.

One month ago a stroke reached into her brain and affected the left front lobe that controls our capacity to receive instructions, process thoughts and speak. Those who have been closest to her are still recognized, bring a smile to her face, and at times, their name to her lips. Much of the time her life is now a reflection of Jesus’ word in John 21:18, “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go (NIV).”

Each day she, Linda and I walk by faith trusting that God will reveal the necessary next steps. Each day God has been good and faithful!

I will only “walk to the edge of the light” of the ‘new Conference’ a few more years before retirement. You who are younger will need to travel “all the way to the barn in the distance”, silhouetted by the light of Christ as it shines upon the next generations. Thus, the lights may become halogen, or LED, or who know what in the years ahead, but the ever familiar “Go and make disciples of all the world…” will be the familiar guide to each of us, and the celebration of a new soul that finds the peace of Christ will bring a smile to our face and a name on the lips of God.


~“If you make my Word your home, you will indeed be my disciples.  You will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:13 New Jerusalem Bible.)”  Each article I write for this column is based in the guidance of a particular Scripture passage. I trust these reflections and information will assist you in your own witness & service as a Disciple of Jesus Christ.

 

Last Updated on November 7, 2023

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The Michigan Conference