Dialogue - What is it?
Dialogue goes much deeper than a simple discussion. Some of the definitions given to us by Susan Nienabor during her recent weekend to begin the WHAT IF process at FUMC are:
“Dialogue is shared exploration towards greater understanding, connection, or possibility.” Tom Atlee, (The Co-Intelligence Institute),
“In dialogue, the intention is not to advocate but to inquire; not to convince but to discover.” Louise Diamond, (The Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy),
and finally--
“Dialogue is a process which enables people ……. to talk deeply and personally about some of the major issues and realities that divide them. Dialogues are powerful, transformational experiences that often lead to both personal and collaborative action.” Sandy Heierbacher, (The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation).
Susan has said that the most important ingredient in healthy dialogue is listening and she included five ways of “dynamic” listening. They are:
1. Listen to Learn
2. Listen for differences
3. Listen with support
4. Listen for connections
Listen reflectively
Our WHAT IF process will require us to both listen and dialogue.
Comments from the design team...
This is an exciting time for our congregation and I’m very pleased with the progress to date. We have had an excellent response to our initial meeting with Susan Nienaber, great attendance at the facilitators training and good attendance at our first meeting with the congregation on May 1st. While the first step has been positive we have much to do in the next several months.
The “What If” process is important to me because I feel we have an opportunity to reinvigorate our congregation behind a common purpose. I don’t know what the outcome will be but I’m pretty sure it won’t be about changing in to something that we’re not. It will be about changing in to something that we all can identify with and support. It will be about the exploration of those times where we felt inspired or moved by our church experiences. What is it about Waterloo First that is unique and special? Through this search, I think we can identify common themes as well as building strong relationships with our discernment groups. At most we will develop a new vision and purpose for our congregation that will serve us well in to the future and at a minimum we will develop stronger and deeper relationships with our church family.
Being involved with the Design Team and the What If discernment process is both exciting and an awesome responsibility. I personally am involved because I believe in FUMC—both its ministry and its people. So much has changed in the last thirty to forty years and unfortunately we have not understood the changes and adapted accordingly. Now we must change. Simply fixing our building or moving to another location is not where we begin. First we must discern how we are unique and what we feel God is calling us to do. I believe FUMC has an important place in God’s world and that together we can make changes and create exciting ways to be in ministry. It is very meaningful to me to be a part of this process.
I am a lifelong member of Waterloo First and care very deeply about its future. I am concerned about what lies ahead for our church. This concern is what prompted me to me to join the “What If” design team. As we all know, some major decisions need to be made in the next several months. The “What If” process will give every member the opportunity to reflect on God’s purpose for our church. Following the process will allow time for us to quiet ourselves and listen to what the Holy Spirit wants us to do. By following this process, every member will have the opportunity to share their ideas, their hopes and their needs for the future. I am personally involved in the What If process because I want this church to be viable for many years to come. I consider the What If process a great opportunity for all of us to listen to and learn from each other so we can make the best possible decision for the future. The process may seem lengthy but the decisions we are facing are crucial ones that deserve the utmost care. I am looking forward to our June 12 meeting and to the small group dialogues that will begin in September.
What, What If , Means to me.
What if, is an adventure offering an opportunity to discover God’s purpose for me and how that purpose may help clarify the purpose of FUMC.
When Dana first asked me to be a part of the Design Team for the “What if” Project, I was overwhelmed with doubts about my ability to fulfill the task. I, like Moses, asked, “Why me? There are people who use their words much more effectively. Who would listen to me anyway?” Then he said to take some time to think about it. I was relieved that my decision did not have to be instantaneous. I stopped being anxious and began to ask a whole different set of questions:
What if we, as a congregation, quieted ourselves for a few months?
What if we learned a process that would help us to listen to each other more effectively?
What if in listening to each other, we learned how our church is unique?
What if in defining our uniqueness, we could discern God’s call?
What if in hearing this call, we became revitalized and excited about making a difference in our community?
What if in becoming revitalized, we . . .
The possibilities are endless! That’s what got me excited about this project. I could do this! It wasn’t that far out of my comfort zone! I wouldn’t have to speak eloquently. I just had to be willing to learn how to listen.
So, for the next few months, I asked you to come along with me as we open our hearts, open our minds and open the doors which will uniquely define the First United Methodist Church of Waterloo, Iowa and help us hear what God has in store for us.
