Recently, I have been listening to my first book on audio, Dare to Lead by Dr. Brené Brown. In this book she talks about asking the hard questions and learning to ‘rumble’ with the uncomfortable feelings that accompany these interchanges.
It has occurred to me that perhaps our congregation is ready to ask some of these harder questions and to ‘sit’ with feeling uncomfortable. Dr. Brown suggests that verbalizing our thoughts and vulnerabilities can highlight challenges as well as provide more effective solutions.

Dr. Brown writes about her work with groups and frequently the common theme is ‘being tired’ or ‘burned out.’ When exploring the feelings that are deeper with this topic, it became clear that isolation and feeling alone were the deeper emotions. Rejuvenation can occur when you feel heard, respected and have expressed your thoughts and feelings.

My own experience has validated this. When I was supervising Mental Health therapists, we met as a group once a week. Each time we gathered they talked of the overload they felt with record keeping, challenging situations, and demands on their time (coming to meetings). However, at the end of our meeting, the common reflection was ‘glad I was here.’ Somehow, gathering to share their feelings and being with others who understood made a big difference. They appeared to walk away with revived energy and enthusiasm. This was a privilege for me to experience.

Attending church is one way of feeling a part of something bigger. Often participating in the church activities and/or engaging in the leadership can develop deeper relationships. Frequently, this leads to taking ownership of being in a faith community.

Interfaith Justice Ministry is a new organization that is being developed in Pensacola. The local group is part of an organization called DART, a national network of 21 affiliated grassroots, nonprofit, congregation-based community organizations. To date, there are 17 churches in Pensacola committed to the organization and our Social Justice Team is exploring this opportunity for our church as well. There will be opportunities to learn more about this from our Social Justice Team. Reaching out into the larger community as a faith-based initiative…is this where we want to be as well?

Together, we will face the limitations of the financial situation of the congregation. Our finances continue to place our congregation at the door of how to proceed with leadership in Ministry. Some could perceive this as an open0—or is it a shut—door? What are the thoughts and effective questions that need to be asked about this and are we ready to ask them? What feelings surface when there are meaningful discussions about our Ministry?

On May 5th we will have our yearly Congregational Meeting after the service. At that time, we will approve the budget and the leadership for the coming year. This is an important time for members and friends to learn more about our church and identify for yourself where you can contribute to the overall mission of our congregation.

See you there…

Nancy Hagman,
Board President