In continuing to explore what judicatories can do in support of their clergy, I want to suggest an experience that I think could lead to a stronger bonding of clergy to each other. Because of the demands on a clergy’s time, many clergy find themselves spending less and less time having meaningful conversations with other clergy about their own faith journeys. This is especially true when it comes to conversations that might reach across such divisions as theological differences, serving churches of different sizes, gender differences, ethnic differences, etc. What I want to suggest is that judicatory officials take the initiative to create the possibilities of such conversations. The purpose is not to debate the differences but to discover some of the common struggles that they face. I will speak in Presbyterian language but you can easily translate it into other systems of governance.

AN INVITATION

My suggestion is that presbytery staff look at the geography of their presbytery and pick out some coffee shops that are within no more than a half-hour drive from several of their churches. They would then invite the clergy of those churches to join them in a caffeine-happy-hour on a Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. I choose Thursday afternoon because some clergy take Mondays off and others Fridays but Thursday is near the end of the week without being so close that the pressure has built up too much. It is a good opportunity to take a short break in the afternoon.

In your invitation, preferably by phone in the beginning but it can be done by email, snailmail, etc, you would set the agenda for the conversation. You might begin by inviting them to come having reflected on one joy in the church and one concern that they are personally struggling with. In both cases the joy and the concern can be either one applying to their local church, the presbytery, or the church as a whole. The invitation is not to seek a solution but just a sharing of our joys and concerns. If the experience is a success, you can expand the areas of exploration. It would be appropriate to set the context of the conversation with a prayer.

FIRST TIME

I would suggest that at least the first time, you make clear that the price of the coffee and bagel is being paid for either by the presbytery or a private donor who cares about the church. My guess is that it would not cost too much and that you could easily find a lay person in our churches who would gladly provide a hundred dollars to provide for such an experience.

Far too often in the agenda of our meetings we don’t take time to listen to each other. This might be a good beginning that could have benefits for the whole community.

A COMPANY OF PASTORS

FOR ANOTHER IDEA TO FOLLOW UP ON BUILDING COMMIUNITY, SEE MY BOOK A COMPANY OF PASTORS.