In(ter)dependence

Many of us spent this last long weekend celebrating our nation's independence. The national holiday is more than just an occasion to grill hotdogs and watch fireworks; it is an annual commemoration of this young nation's fight for freedom and a time to recommit ourselves to defending these liberties we enjoy for others and for future generations.

I see that same spirit of independence that so many value in our nation alive in many of our smaller congregations. There is a sense of pride in being able to "make it on our own." It seems to be very important for some congregations to call their own pastor rather than share one with another congregation, or to remain a single congregation rather than joining a multi-point parish. They have a sense of importance, accomplishment, of moving forward. Unfortunately, in some cases, I see a lot of energy and resources that end up being used to remain independent rather than remain faithful to our mission as church.

In our churches, we recognize the real strength of interdependence. Jesus showed us from the very beginning as he relied on Mary and Joseph to care for him and nurture him into adulthood that no one - not even God - can make it on their own. For the same reason, Jesus called disciples to help him in his work, calling people from various walks of life to proclaim the good news to the world.

Sometimes, working together makes all the sense in the world ... on paper. But when we sit down and have the conversations about how to share a pastor, or how certain bills will be paid, or what building we will meet in, sense can be overrun by emotion. I have seen kind, well-meaning Christians retreat into a stance of stubborn independence that will surely end in the death of their congregation for fear of having to work together in a symbiotic relationship with other kind, well-meaning Christians.

A fierce sense of independence can actually bind us to ineffective models of ministry, completely out of touch with the needs and expectations of the un-churched (and even the churched) people in our Twenty-first Century mission field. What young adult or family new to your area will want to join your church if the church's main goals are keeping the doors open and paying a pastor? Will they not be drawn to a congregation where the sense of community is enhanced by their interdependent relationship with another congregation, where both are focused on helping each other out, and more importantly, reaching out to people with the gospel?

If your congregation decides it is time to explore your interdependence, whether that means consolidating, merging, sharing ministries or ministers, or forming a multi-point parish - start with a call to your synod staff. Let the bishop know that this is something you would like to explore - not just to keep the doors of your building open, but to strengthen the gospel's work in your community. Let us partner with you in this important work!

Pastor John Dietz
Assistant to the Bishop
Director for Evangelical Mission