A Paradox in Simplicity and Maturity

The outline of Rainer and Geiger's 2006 book Simple Church is, well, simple.

Clarity --> Movement --> Alignment --> Focus.

The church's purpose is to move people through a process of transformation. That purpose must be clear and explicit and all programs must be aligned with the purpose. If a program is not aligned with the focus of the church, Rainer and Geiger suggest it must be eliminated or revised. Is your youth ministry program aligned with the purpose of your church? Do you know what your church's mission statement is?

Our daily experiences teach us that simplifying is rarely an easy process. How does a UU sift through vast truths to find which ones sit right with her, utilize the inefficient and messy democratic process when he finds himself a leader, employ the rational mind while still reveling in the awe of mystery, and stay simple all the while?

A webinar presented by the Pacific Northwest District on "Spiritual Maturity and Healthy Differentiation" suggests that to be spiritually mature is to find solace in complexity. Sharon Daloz Parks states "mature wisdom is not escape from, but rather engagement with, complexity and mystery" while Benson and Elkin suggest that "experiencing a sese of personal well-being, security and peace," trusting in the process of life and having faith in humanity are crucial dimensions of a mature faith.

How can we use a simple process to explore a complex world? A dialogue is beginning on the Youth Ministry page. Join us.

Posted Monday, 04 October 2010 09:50 Written by Jennica Davis