In the breakout session, “Improv for Community,” we played 3 games from my experiences as an improviser. Through “7 Things,” we practiced the posture of supporting whatever emerged from the mouth of our peer in the circle, who was currently listing 7 things on some make-believe list, giving hilarious, simple, quick, ludicrous, wonderful answers.
Read More“I was excited to lead this session, since this is a topic that's very close to my heart. It went extremely well; people were willing to share their stories about times they felt isolated, which was one of the points of the session. Most of the time was spent sharing stories. I think we all learned from each other.”
Read MoreSometimes, I simply cruise through life assuming that everybody knows what I know. The other day, I was in a meeting with two of the Missional Wisdom Foundation’s smart young people, and one asked how to set a price for a class that she is teaching.
Read MoreEverybody thinks empathy is a good thing, right? Most of us face a challenge, though. We think empathy is a good thing. We want to practice it, especially with those who are closest to us, but find ourselves at a loss in those moments when it doesn’t happen spontaneously.
Read MoreOne of the great delights of working for the Missional Wisdom Foundation has been discovering the network of amazing people and organizations connected to the foundation. During the National Gathering we sought to connect people with each other based on their gifts. First, we had people write on cards their gifts, skills, and passions. These were placed on a wall so others could see this amazing portrait of our Dispersed Community's assets.
Read MoreYou know how sometimes those informal conversations that pop up around the refreshment table or informally in the parking lot are actually the best part of the whole conference?
The gentle current of God’s will washes over every interaction. Like a river, we rush by the uncomfortable emotions, tension, and conflict.
Read MoreHospitality is not just a kind smile or nice refreshments, though those are certainly important. It’s not glamorous most of the time—like putting enough paper towels in the restroom. More often hospitality is noticed by its lack than its presence. How do we create a space in which people feel they belong to something bigger than themselves and are an integral part of what happens there—that each item is provided for you, individually, as well as for the community?
Read MoreWe made several significant changes to Launch & Lead during our redesign a few years ago. We were particularly excited about the possibilities created by hosting all fall and spring workshops at the same time and place. This meant that everyone participating in Launch & Lead would have the opportunity to meet and connect with everyone else, regardless of where they are in the process.
What happens when you gather a roomful of people who share a vision for Christian community, building bridges between peoples, and spiritual renewal? Potentially—anything!
Read MoreA peek at the National Gathering 2019
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Declining attendance at America's churches has been a persistent trend in recent decades. Now some churches are taking a novel approach to keeping their doors open by renting out otherwise empty space during the usually quiet midweek. Omar Villafranca reports.
I wish I could have gotten all 30 of us into the picture, but such is the nature of the selfie. We had guitars, autoharp, bass, ukuleles, mandolin, drums... People from barely big enough to hold the uke (and maybe not even holding it right side up) to retirees.
Read MoreHello Neighbors!
We are proud to introduce our new podcast, “The Neighbor Next Door.” This is a podcast where we interview awesome neighbors to learn from them and be inspired by them. We also share neighboring tips along with the stories behind those tips. And sometimes we play folk music!
From the Reports from the Spiritual Frontier website:
Join us for a conversation with Neighborhood Animator and Iconographer Ryan Klinck, of the Missional Wisdom Foundation and SOCE Life, as he shares what it means to encounter unlikely saints in the people around us. Hear him share about how a dream sent him to Mexico when he was a young adult, the hard practice of living in intentional community, how our neighbors and enemies can serve as mirrors, and about his collaborative art projects with his friends who are homeless, called “The Saints of Bonhoeffer House.”
Point-Counterpoint
With Dr. Larry Duggins, Dr. John McKellar, and Dr. Todd Renner
From the Reports from the Spiritual Frontier website:
Join us for a conversation with Andrea Lingle of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, as she shares about how conflict can be a means of grace. Hear her share about how true community can be exhausting, what it means to thirst for righteousness rather than thirst for rightness, and first steps that communities can take to have conversations that convey both moral clarity and grace. Hear her also share about Missional Wisdom’s new book: Rooted in Grace, which is a practical primer for communities looking to have these type of difficult, grace-filled conversations.
I am an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. At many clergy gatherings someone will start a story with the words, “You won’t believe what I was asked to do this week…” And we will end up laughing and saying, “And that is under your job description as ‘other?’” The “other” of a clergy job description is endless, from kissing camels to cleaning toilets.
As I journeyed through Advent this year I often felt like I had opened a puzzle box that was filled with wonderful pieces but they had nothing to do with one another.
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