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In 1964 Bob Dylan wrote The Times They Are a-Changing, a social conscience song with an enduring message. You may recall this verse:
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’.
I cannot tell you how often recently I have said and thought “who would have thought…?” I am sure that I am not alone in my surprise. It is truly a different time when you consider Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) capturing the attention of Congress and society. Is this real, or are we living out a sci-fi movie plot in which simulated human intelligence machines take over the world? I need to learn more before wisely engaging in further A.I. conversation. However, I can speak with certainty about the Church.
The COVID pandemic has inspired many to leave the workplace and reprioritize life. Pastors, staff, and members alike are choosing to retire and spend the second half of their lives doing what feeds their souls. Richard Rohr names this season as the time of spiritual awareness when one moves from adherence to a belief system to a humble inner knowing.
With the mass number of recent retirements, mid councils are facing unprecedented transitions in staff. Concurrently, new mid council leaders are stepping into uncharted waters. Of the 166 presbyteries in the denomination, 75 have called new leaders in the last three years. Seven presbyteries have called new leaders within our Synod, and four are in the search process. When all open presbytery leader positions are filled, 12 of our 19 presbyteries will have new leaders. The wave of change reflects a new readiness of governing bodies to take uncommon risks—many are calling first call mid council leaders, and today the two largest synods and the seven largest presbyteries in the denomination are served by Persons of Color.
The message is clear that presbyteries desire someone who might bring innovative ideas and new wisdom to the work of resourcing congregations. The new leaders represent a cross-section of age groups and ethnicities. However, these individuals have said yes to the work of ministry administration at one of the most pivotal times in the life of the Church. What experience will these new leaders face? Will it be like trying to put new wine in old wineskins? Or will we live into the Pentecost Moment of Joel 2:28-30:
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth.”
The Church is in the season of rebirth as it struggles to bounce back from two and a half years of the pandemic. This is not the time to bemoan losses. Instead, we have an opportunity to co-create what the future will be. What will be is ultimately in the hands of the Almighty. Our role as co-creators is to dare to test God’s faithfulness. To experiment with new things and see the future with fresh eyes. If this is the Pentecost Moment, let us move with the Spirit.
Dylan was correct; the times we know and understand best are changing daily. I am interested in talking about the evolving realities of our time. Will you join me in the conversation?
Rev. SanDawna Ashley
Transitional Synod Leader
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