Retreat Recap, Part 1

I know that some of you have been waiting to hear how this weekend went.  If I was able to choose one word to sum things up, it would most definitely be "exhausting."  I have been reminded once again that work like this is rarely easy. 

The weekend went well.  We had around 35 adults and youth show up for our visioning retreat here at the church.  We had some excellent discussion and numerous conversations have come out of our work together.

The weekend was, at least outwardly, miracle-free.  No lightning bolts came from the heavens.  No stone tablets were carried in by any patriarchs.  But good work was done.  We did endure some difficult conversations with epic patience and we laughed at ourselves on occasion.

In the end, we came out with good feedback from a large group that our smaller team can now use to formulate our more precise core values and vision as well as begin the strategy-building process.  Hopefully, over the next 40 days (I didn't plan that, but it sure sounds good, doesn't it?) our visioning team will be able to come back to the congregation with a well-refined statement that empowers and energizes people for building our future as a church.

I've already mentioned some tense moments that came up on Saturday.  As we discussed the demographics of our congregation and compared those to the demographics of the area around the church, what I would describe as raw emotion came to the surface.  Some (2) of our participants took a defensive posture toward the conversation.  The discussion that followed, though it got us off track a little, gives me some hope.

For the first time in probably several years, some of the old, worn-out arguments that have hindered the growth and effectiveness of the church were challenged.  Members who have been silent for most of their lives began to speak up and now there is a greater buzz in the air that has become an imperative for change.  Repressed feelings about good ministries that were never given a fair chance were brought to the surface.  Laments over opportunities not siezed were shared.  Resolve to pursue our current opportunities has grown.

Will this endeavor fall flat?  I still don't know.  Before this weekend, I was convinced that by Saturday afternoon I would know one way or the other.  Now that it's D+3, I'm certain that only time will tell.