Recently I was invited to lead a breakout session with our Indiana provisional pastors who are in the Residence In Ministry (RIM) program to offer my thoughts and conversation about ministry in my community and context. I was one of four pastors who was invited to lead a small group dialogue. Before we went to our breakout groups, the RIM leader asked each of the four of us to introduce ourselves, tell where we served, and share a little about our ministry.
I had already sent a short biography, so I did not expect this new twist. Frankly, I hate talking about myself and I mentally squirmed as I quickly thought about what I was going to say. Fortunately, I was not the first to go, and so the pastor who began shared where he served and said that his ministry and discipleship ideas were informed by a well-known leadership consultant in our denomination. As my turn came, I scrambled to think of something equally cogent to say about my work. My brain clamored for a name to drop! What could I say? And then it hit me. I thought about the phrase that I have used often in conversations as people have asked me about how to implement growth strategies, future plans, and vision models. I say, “The Answer to How is Yes.”
This answer is the title of a book by organizational consultant Peter Block. I had read the book rather cursorily several years ago, but it is the title that I have felt is most helpful. It is beautiful in its simplicity and wisdom. And so, when my turn came to share about my pastoral context and way of leading during this difficult time in our world, I just shrugged and said, I use Peter Block’s method. “The Answer to How is Yes.”
I love this concept. Though the book is written to speak to a corporate culture, there are nuggets of wisdom that apply to all types of organizational systems. Peter Block challenges his readers to defy the societal tendency to waste time trying to find just the right formula, acquire the exact skill set, or develop the perfect action plan. Instead, Block suggests that we have within the community the knowledge we need to assess and respond to the context we are immersed within. And this is done through shared dialogue and by bringing all the gifts and strengths of all its members to bear for the greater good.
“We change the world when we create the time and space for heartfelt, unique conversations that discuss values and affirm doubts, feelings, and intuition.”
Peter Block, The Answer to How is Yes: Acting on What Matters
Furthermore, being willing to challenge or step away from formulaic processes means that we can identify those things that are not consistent with our values that may be entrenched in organizational systems.
“Acting on what matters means that we will consistently find ourselves feeling like we are living on the margin of our institutions and our culture. This calls for some detachment from the mainstream.”
Peter Block, The Answer to How is Yes: Acting on What Matters
I have found find this to be so true for First Church. This church has been willing to lead and even go against the cultural trends because we have so clearly identified our priorities and our values that we know instinctively when we must go in a new direction.
This is such a refreshing and life-giving place to be. It means that we can have the freedom to experiment and try new things. It means that we can build new relationships and widen our outreach to others. It means that we can partner with other groups and people whose goals and values align with ours. It means saying “YES.”
This is a discipleship model—it is how Jesus operated and how he called his disciples—it is how the Holy Spirit swept through the early church. Because the answer to the call of Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit should always be “YES!” We are a church that is saying “YES.”
And this is why I am so excited about all that is happening around First Church. It is why Tippecanoe ACTS is growing. It is why our “We’re Out” Community Celebration on October 8th will be larger this year. It is why every week Ronda is making new name-tags for new people who are finding a home at First Church. It is why our chancel choir and bell choirs and praise band are overflowing with talented musicians who want to praise God in song. It is why our historic ministries for food security and education and health are still vital and supported. It is why we have so many new faces in leadership in our church. The Holy Spirit is moving powerfully and we keep saying “YES!”
I want to thank First Church for being a congregation that is still saying “YES” to God and the Holy Spirit. We are in the middle of our preparations for a consecration Sunday on October 16th in which we will offer our commitments to the ministries of this church for 2023. And as we look to the year ahead, I believe with all my heart that we will continue to respond in faith. Because we know indeed that The Answer to How is Yes.
Blessings,
Pastor Duane
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