It was probably ten years ago when I first conceived of the Emerging Ministries idea. As with most ideas, a lot of different streams of thought became a strong force that kept pushing me. One stream was my desire to do something locally; most of my non-profit leadership had been international to that point. Another stream was a friends dissertation that said the San Francisco Bay Area had never seen a spiritual revival. Still another stream was my interest in “the emerging church”, which was then an innovative new expression of faith.
Emerging Ministries evolved from all of these lines of thought. Initially the idea was to be an incubator of new ministries. That shifted to a focus on the leaders themselves. That shifted to a more collaborative “roundtable” type event where we could learn from each other. And the shifting has continued over the years as young leaders from the Bay Area have gathered to learn, share, network and connect across geographic and vocational lines. Some great people are involved and I’m always encouraged when I meet with them.
As with all start-up efforts, the board shifted as the focus changed. I’m the last “founder” involved with the organization, though there are some people (like Nancy Ortberg) who have been around since nearly the beginning. The current board (Nancy, Pamela Wilhelms, Mark Scandrette and Bart Garrett) have brought stability, talent and energy. Each is a thought leader. Each is an incredible personal coach and spiritual mentor. They are among my best friends.
At the most recent EM event in Berkeley, Mark and Bart led a discussion on Robert Putnam’s book American Grace (by the way, if you call yourself a faith leader but have not read this book, shame on you). It seemed an appropriate topic because Putnam shares fascinating insights into the American religious scene. There are many things in the book worth sharing, but I want to focus on my overall reaction to the book: I’m encouraged. The American religious culture embraces change and transforms itself on a regular basis. Faith groups respond to cultural shifts with innovation, tolerance, and hope. Faith can divide, but more frequently it unites.
This is ultimately what Emerging Ministries is all about. Different cultural islands need different practitioners of age old faith. The Bay Area is a unique cultural island, and EM is working to encourage and equip those leaders with the guts to work here. An emerging culture needs an emerging interpretation of what it means to follow Jesus, and we learn the language of that interpretation by meeting and sharing with others from outside our immediate circle.
I’m still learning to speak that language — and probably always will be. But I’ve become far more fluent this past decade. So it seems time to step off the Emerging Ministries Board. I have done what I can do, offered what I could offer. I have learned that a board member — or a founder — who sticks around too long will just grow old and dull. That would be the worst possible thing for an innovative effort like EM. New ideas, new energy, and new vision needs to be encouraged to take the lead.
I’ll still be involved. I love the interaction too much to leave completely, and it is good for me to stay connected with a younger group of leaders. Besides, too many good friends are attached to EM for me to slip out of that circle.
Still, as Robert Putnam might say, something has changed. I sense it without knowing exactly why or what. But then, that’s the same feeling I had when I started EM. So my departure from the board feels like it will be best for EM and for the people who rely on EM to be a source of learning, encouragement and faith.
Thanks for all the good times. Thanks for the grace.
