Enduring Principles Series: Continuing Revelation

For Further Reflection and Discussion

1. On poster paper write “What is continuing revelation?” Reread President Steve Veazey’s article. Make a list of phrases from the article that help express the principle of continuing revelation, which is so ingrained in our faith. For example, “Revelation is an encounter with God not just information about God,” or “A primary function of revelation is to move us in the direction of God’s will.” Discuss your list. Which phrases reflect new understanding?

2. President Veazey states: “When we explore the church’s Enduring Principles…we define what makes us who we are as a faith community.” He believes “one calling of Community of Christ is to keep the tradition, principle, and practice of continuing revelation alive.” What might this mean for you and your congregation?

3. At what points in your life did revelation require an expanded understanding of God’s nature—a lifting of limits in previous understanding? Use Jacob’s pattern in Genesis 28 to acknowledge those shifts: God is _____________, and I did not know it.

4. Throughout this article, powerful verbs give a glimpse into revelation: it humbles, unsettles, stimulates, compels, disturbs, shocks, disorients, enlivens, enriches, transforms. In what ways can revelation impact the whole?

5. In the book, Space and Sight, Marius von Senden told of blind-since-birth patients who, after having successful cataract operations, preferred shutting their eyes to see-ing because enhanced vision confused them. How might those who resist or reject revelation be like those who pre-ferred shutting their eyes? What support or ministry can congregations provide for them?

6. “We Limit Not the Truth of God” (Hymns of the Saints, #309) verse two says, “The universe, how much unknown! That ocean unexplored!” How can these metaphors help our under-standing of the depth and breadth of discovery needed to “more fully see revelations’ truths yet to be applied”?

—Mary Gill, Disciple Formation Ministries

Discernment Activity

President Steve Veazey’s article tells us that faithful response to revelation requires us to expand our worldview. Our view is shaped by culture, family, gender, education, religion, spirituality, and life experience. It is not easily changed. Discernment is an invitation for God to transform our worldview. The central attitude is humility: “God, I bow to you as the knower of all that I do not know.” Discernment is rooted in vulnerability: “God, shatter the limitations I have put on you and your truth. Open me to expanded truth.”

1. Find a quiet place to engage in discernment. You will need paper and a pen or pencil.

2. Sit still for several minutes. Pray for a spirit of humility and vulnerability as you reflect on your worldview.

3. Draw a large circle in the middle of your paper.

4. Prayerfully reflect on the most important pieces of your worldview. What beliefs, ideals, and principles help you make sense of life? What do you believe to be real, true, and of ultimate value?

5. Write words and phrases inside the circle that describe the foundational pieces of your worldview. Review the list. How do you feel about your worldview? Are there any parts of your worldview that you have questions about?

6. How closely does your worldview reflect the whole of God’s being and purpose? How might your worldview need to be examined or expanded?

7. Enter a time of silent prayer. Ask for deeper awareness of God’s desires for you and creation. Pray for new insights God may want to draw you toward. Be receptive to thoughts or images beyond the boundaries of your worldview.

8. Outside the circle containing your worldview, write images or insights from your prayer and meditation. Ponder these new messages.

9. How do you feel about the words outside the circle of your worldview? What is God’s invitation to you as you review the words inside and outside of the circle?

10. You may wish to journal your responses to some of the questions above. Close with a prayer for continued guidance and openness.

—Carolyn Brock, Spiritual Formation and Wholeness Ministries