Section 163:5a
Signal Communities: Hope of Zion

For Further Reflections and Discussion

1. Review the accounts in Luke chapters 9 and 10 of Jesus sending out “the twelve” and “the seventy.” What are the points of connection? How does the mission differ in each case? What was the result?

2. What is the difference between being “a people with apostles” and “an apostolic people”? How do you think it is possible to be both, as the author contends?

3. Use a Bible dictionary to discuss the meanings of the Hebrew and Aramaic word shalom and the Greek word eirēnē. Include dimensions that Jesus added during his earthly ministry: grace, forgiveness, blessedness of peacemaking, love of enemies, nonretaliation, and overcoming evil with good.

4. Share stories of how members of the Council of Twelve Apostles in the Community of Christ have been sent into parts of the world that have never known Jesus Christ. What effect has this had on the church, both as a worldwide fellowship and in congregations?

5. Research the examples of signal communities mentioned in the article: L’Arche, begun by Jean Vanier in France; the Catholic Worker movement founded by Dorothy Day; Benedictine monasticism, now 1,600 years old; and Koinonia in Georgia, USA, which led to the founding of Habitat for Humanity. What are some common characteristics and themes? How are they examples of “finding a need and filling it”?

6. In the Community of Christ there have been numerous attempts to put Zionic concepts into practice (for example: reunions; Harvest Hills in Independence, Missouri; and La Buena Fe in Honduras). Share personal experiences with these, and other examples (such as Habitat for Humanity, Bread for the World, etc.).

7. What is your understanding of Zion, using the author’s three-fold outline of process, condition, and place? How has this changed during your lifetime and the history of the church? Why?

Discernment Process

“Are we a people with apostles or an apostolic people? We are both.” Andrew Bolton puts before us a challenge to be “someone sent out with a message.” We are called to “establish signal communities of justice and peace that reflect the vision of Christ.”

Henri Nouwen wrote this in Making All Things New: “Community as discipline is the effort to create a free and empty space among people where together we can practice true obedience…. To create space for God among us requires the constant recognition of the Spirit of God in each other.” We will never be perfect people. But imperfect people committed to a radical Spirit-empowered love can change their relationships and the world.

In thinking of how we can be an apostolic people, we must first discern God’s will. Right discernment arises out of a relationship with God in prayer. It is founded on the reality of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. Discernment is also about action and moving forward when God nudges us in the direction we need to go.

As you prepare to enter this prayer of listening, take a moment and ask yourself these questions: Where does concern for the injustices of this world fit into my thoughts and life? What is my general reaction to volunteering time to causes in my community that serve the poor, oppressed, and needy? What is it like to be treated unfairly? What difference can an advocate make?

Find a comfortable and quiet place. Ask God to help you discern how to love others by seeking their good, protection, gain, and fair treatment.

Come into the presence of the Holy One, focusing your attention on God’s love and goodness. Be thankful you have a Guide who is on your side and wants to help you. Now sit and inhale God’s peace and spirit. Let go of the hurried life you live. Breathe in and breathe out. Quiet your soul and ask God to help you open yourself. Take at least fifteen minutes in silence, listening and feeling divine love. Give thanks for God’s presence.

May your continuing discernment help you seek to bring both head and heart into alignment with God’s will. May you become part of a community that is larger than yourself and your own goals, possessions, and achievements. Amen.

—Gail Biller
Santa Ana, California, USA