Section 163:11a
God Is Calling for a Prophetic People

For Further Reflection and Discussion

1. Identify one or more prophets in the Old Testament. What was the context of their prophetic ministry? How did they function within their own communities? What were
   some inspired messages they offered? In the instances you identified, how did people respond? Why do you think people did not always respond positively?

2. The first prophetic role of our community identified in this commentary is “to show that unity and peace among people of various cultures and nationalities is possible
   through the Spirit of God and the message of Christ.” How have you witnessed this developing and growing?

3. Another role is to embody in this community the “vision, passion, and prophetic spirit of Christ.” How do you see this happening in your own congregation, other congregations, or mission centers with which you are familiar?

4. What does the term “blessings of community” mean to you? Why do you think it has been identified as one of the nine Enduring Principles of Community of Christ?

5. Walter Brueggemann is quoted as saying that the “task of prophetic ministry is to evoke an alternative community that knows it is about different things in different
   ways.” What are some challenges and opportunities in being an alternative or even countercultural community?

6. President Stephen Veazey states that some Community of Christ congregations “already are skilled in prophetic imagination,” which “create(s) relational sanctuaries
   for people to experience the healing love and peace of Christ.” How does your congregation compare in assessing this standard? What steps can you take to bring your local faith community into line with this objective?

7. The primary challenge before us, President Veazey concludes, is to “break free of the paralyzing grip of the status quo and dare to see new possibilities.” Describe what
   “status quo” means in the context of your local area or nation. What are some possibilities you can envision in response to that description?

Discernment Activity

President Stephen Veazey’s article on Section 163:11a reminds us of God’s call to become a worldwide prophetic community. Our discernment will focus on opening ourselves to the transformative choices available as we follow Christ in making God’s compassion and peace real in the world.

1. Sit quietly and hold your hands open in your lap as a sign that you are ready to receive God’s presence and message in your life. Pray for insight around the question: “What can I do to help create the countercultural community of wholeness and peace God is calling us to become?”

2. Review President Veazey’s article. Mark or highlight words and phrases that capture your attention. What speaks to you as an invitation or response?

3. Now take time to prayerfully explore at least one of the specific responses listed below. Listen for a sense of call, challenge, or action.

   • Consider the compassionate spirit and ministries of your congregation. Is it a “relational sanctuary,” offering healing? What needs to happen?

   • Review the “We Share” document on the church Web site: www.CofChrist.org/discernment/weshare/. What vision of God’s shalom comes through to you? What creative responses occur to you?

   • Meditate on images of Community of Christ throughout the world. Sense your connection to those who live in peace and relative comfort, as well as brothers
     and sisters who experience civil war, violence, devastating poverty, and religious oppression. Hear and feel the compassion-inspired response you are invited
     to make. Are you called to ongoing prayer? Is your response one of generosity to World Church missions, Oblation, World Hunger, or Outreach International or
     World Accord? What direct ministry can you offer?

4. Close with a prayer of gratitude and commitment to let the Spirit of Christ draw you away from the “paralyzing grip” of the personal and cultural forces that keep God’s peace from healing the earth.