Over 400 leaders from presbyteries and synods have gathered in Portland, Oregon, October 9-12 to hold meetings, foster connections and explore ways to strengthen the church’s structure. One of those meetings – the annual polity conference, which is convened by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of the General Assembly and which started Oct. 11 – was preceded by annual mid council leadership events which, for the first time, are all being held concurrently this year. These meetings are:
- Moderators’ Conference (for new presbytery moderators);
- Association of Mid Council Leaders annual meeting;
- Association of Stated Clerks annual meeting;
- New stated clerks training; and
- General Assembly Committee on Representation synod training.
Stepping away from fear
On Oct. 9, all participants joined together for opening worship. Veronica Goines, pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, California (and the pastor frequently referenced in Anne Lamott’s writings about the church she attends) preached. In her sermon, Goines stressed the need for church leaders to step away from fear and instead remember that “the Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Operating in fear is the antithesis of where Scripture calls Christians to be, she said.
Themes of stepping away from fear and timidity seemed prevalent in many of the meeting rooms. The Association of Mid Council Leaders started their discussions by naming the complex issues they are currently facing – and noting where they find hope and nourishment in the midst of trying times. Stated clerks spent time re-understanding and re-imagining their roles – within the presbytery and at General Assembly meetings. Many stated clerks praised the training they received when first becoming a stated clerk and now, years into their roles, seek ways to continue a practice of mentorship.
Strategies for partnerships and change
Theresa Cho, former moderator of the Presbytery of San Francisco, and Kathy Runyeon, stated clerk of that presbytery, co-led a session for new moderators on moderator and staff partnerships. As participants step into their year as moderator, Runyeon encouraged them to continually reflect on the question: How can the presbytery be Christ’s body as they discern, discuss and decide?
A number of strategies were suggested as approaches to do the business of the presbytery better and more creatively.
Presbytery speed dating: Prior to voting on overtures, San Francisco presbytery took time to break into small groups. Each group had two leaders facilitating the discussion. In less than 15 minutes, a small group would hear background information on the overture and be led in discussion that asked: What do you like about the overtures? What more information do you need before you vote?
World café conversations: Tables at presbytery meetings were designated as places to hold discussion on specific aspects of the mission of the presbytery. Commissioners reported being glad that this activity encouraged them to sit across the table with those who have different perspectives and with whom they’d not had previous conversations.
Prayer for commissioners: Cho shared ways she had become intentional about praying for the commissioners. As part of her practice, she might pray as she made tangible items to pass out at meetings (such as origami crosses, cross-shaped sugar cookies or a card her son designed with a space for prayers to be written that could be shared during the passing of the peace)
It’s not about doing something new and fresh just because it’s new and fresh, Cho cautioned, but to always think about the “why.” She told the moderators-elect that they are entering a privileged time to see things from another perspective. After their moderatorial year concludes, they can continue to lead change from being part of the presbytery. “Use this time not just to moderate well,” she said, “but to be part of that change when you resume your role as a member of presbytery.”
Go out to love and serve the Lord
The concurrent conferences concluded with worship on Oct. 11. Heath Rada, moderator of the 221st General Assembly, served as guest preacher for Sunday morning worship at First Presbyterian Church in Portland where those participating in the Moderators’ Conference were encouraged to attend. Larissa Kwong Abazia, vice moderator for the 2014 assembly, preached for morning worship at the conference center for participants in the other concurrent meetings.
As they return to their home presbyteries and synods, attendees seemed most grateful for new connections and training received.
“The main reason I come here is to network with other stated clerks,” said Kevin Veldhuisen, stated clerk of the Presbytery of South Dakota. Getting to know other stated clerks helps him feel connected and supported. Likewise, Julie Rafferty, moderator-elect of Blackhawk Presbytery in Illinois, said it was helpful for her to hear the ways moderators in other presbyteries do things – as a way of finding encouragement for practices already in place and as a motivator to see that there are alternative approaches to the work of the presbytery.
“It’s always good to have a fresh take on the church,” Rafferty said.
