Invitation

Today's post is brought to you by some things that are happening in my faith community. For quite a while now, the community has been lead by persons who have interpreted their leadership roles in a way that has created an operational model of control and structure. Things have been predictable and persons have had to conform to the "ways we've always done things". It has paid some dividends in that the church is on strong financial ground (even while the rest of the denomination isn't) and the church is growing. However, something has been missing in the life of the church.

It has taken me a while to be able to name that which is missing - invitation. When one invites, one hopes that the recipient will view the message with favor, and will attend the event. The inviter also asks for the "favor of a response" or RSVP, to allow for plans to be made. Invitation therefore is an act of hope, an act of community building, an act which is risky (what if the invitation is turned down?), an act whichs gives up control of the situation - or actually offers control to the invitee.
By giving up control, we make ourselves vulnerable - open to the whims of the other. This can be anxiety producing if we don't have a firm relationship with the invitee; but it produces joy when we receive an affirmation of attendance.

So it is with communities. When one tries to control everything, or run a faith community like a secular business, then there is no invitation to free participation. Participation comes with rules and structure and regulations that seek to control and conform. Faith communities which trust in the movement of an all powerful deity, on the other hand, invite that power into their deliberations and listen for leading. Invitational communities give up power (and the need to accomplish a certain amount in a given space of time) and control and wait results in patient expectation.

My community is at a crossroad - between a directive approach to community and a Spirit-lead approach. There is a role for both, and I'm in prayer that we will find our way to balance our human need for control and success and the infinite potential of invitation. May you find in your week an opportunity to invite that infinite power into your deliberations - it's uncomfortable, but oh so satisfying.

Peace,
Dan