Section 163 Commentary: The Future Beckons: Do Not Be Afraid

Discernment Process

As human beings, we have been given the gift of reflection. We are able to look back on our experiences and recognize where we have received lessons of great value and where we have discovered empty places, devoid of the life we seek. In his reflection on two men whose lives were an inspiration, Rich Brown has helped us see characteristics that lead to faithful, productive lives. Memorial services remind us of what matters most in those we love, but they also encourage us to go forward and embody those characteristics more fully in our own lives.

Section 163:1 encourages us to “discern and embrace” the full meaning of who we are as Community of Christ. Whoever we are as a community is given its shape by the characteristics we embody as individuals. Here is a prayer practice to help you reflect on how your life is embracing the full meaning of your identity as a member of the Community of Christ. It is intended as a daily reflection done at the end of the day, often called the Prayer of Examen.

• Find a place where you can be uninterrupted for a period of 10 to 15 minutes near the end of your day.

• Take a few moments to breathe gently and pray for openness and receptivity to God’s voice.

• Let your mind wander back over your day from beginning to end, noticing the events and feelings that capture your attention. As one or two memories stand out, let them come to life with all the senses and feelings of the experience.
  In what particular way has your life today embraced and given life to your identity as a follower of Christ? Celebrate and give thanks for that experience.

• Is there a part of your day in which you did not embrace that identity? Ask for and receive the loving embrace of God’s grace.

• Listen for an invitation by God for your day tomorrow. How, specifically, are you invited to be a blessing in the coming day?

• Offer thanks for this time of prayerful reflection and go gently into your night, knowing that tomorrow is a gift of new life.

• Pray for courage to embrace it fully.

For Further Reflections and Discussion

1. Identify some of the “spiritual giants in the Community of Christ” on whose shoulders we stand. Do this for both your own congregation or mission center and the church at large. Why have you identified these people? What makes them “giants”?

2. The author suggests that Section 163 may represent a “tipping point” for the church. What do you think that means? How do you respond to this?

3. Read the quoted material from Graham Standish’s book Humble Leadership. Describe in your own words the idea of being “closed off to God.” Without mentioning names, of course, share personal experiences you have had of people in the church who could be described in this way. What were some of the consequences of their actions?

4. What is the difference between “doing great things for God” and “being open to God doing great things through you”?

5. Draw a large circle on a dry erase board or flip chart, and write “Community of Christ” inside the circle. Then draw other circles that slightly overlap the central one, identifying each with a church or religious tradition. Use the list of “yets” by the author to stimulate your discussion and what the church shares in common with others. What characteristics do not overlap with anybody else?

6. What kind of balancing act do you face as you attempt to keep in perspective your relationship with God and your family, career, church activities, and community involvement? Which area most frequently gets the “short end” of that balancing act? What is your honest—and perhaps painful—response to that?

7. Although every generation has probably had concerns about younger generations, is this a greater concern today because of the pace of change in society? What did your parents’ and grandparents’ generations think of your generation?

8. How do you explain the relative absence of young adults in many congregations of this and other denominations? What suggestions do you have to change that?