Dear Friends in Christ,
There’s a rule in medicine: see one, do one, teach one. This is how many doctors are trained.
After observing a procedure, they are invited to learn in the best way possible, which is the
hands-on doing of medicine. And then they are invited to consolidate their knowledge by
passing it on to someone else.
I believe this is how healthy ministry, and especially healthy leadership in ministry, should work.
Grace (like every other church and, indeed, every other institution on this planet) has recently
come through a period of crisis. During this time, our parish was well served by its traditions.
Faithful leaders stepped up to the moment and leaned into institutional memory. The stability
of that leadership held this church steady during an unsteady time.
But now, we are emerging into a different moment. And we need different gifts from our
leadership. This is a moment to be open to new possibilities, to understand the changes in our
shared life and welcome the blessings such changes might bring.
There is a challenge here for everyone.
- Have you been in leadership in a particular ministry for more than two years (i.e., since
before the pandemic began)? How can you raise up someone new for that
leadership—someone who is not already doing 20 other things? Perhaps someone
leaps to mind. And if no one does? There’s a nudge in there for you to take the risk of
meeting some newcomers. We have a lot of them right now. - Have you been on the fringes, in a supporting role, for either a short or a long time?
Those fringes are actually a training ground for leadership. Think about what it might
mean to level up—to take on a notch more responsibility. - Not really involved? A lot of us sit on the edge of the pool, testing the water for a very
long time, and that’s part of the process of discernment—observing, learning where our
participation makes sense. I suggest to you that now is a really good time to move from
watching to trying. Just about every ministry at Grace needs new commitment. It could
come from you.
I hope you will see more and more opportunities for involvement in the coming months. (One
possibility: the Altar Guild is holding an Open House this Sunday immediately after the 10:30
service. As Jesus said, come and see. Anyone—regardless of gender, age, or length of time at
Grace—is welcome. It’s a ministry not only of polishing silver but also spirituality and
community.)
And if you ever have questions about leadership and discipleship? Please come to me, Mother
Nina, or Father Santi. We’d love to think about them alongside you.
Yours in Christ,
Anne+