2012: Can there be progress without change?

Rindy opened by playing Bobby McFerrins’ Twenty-third Psalm which, besides being incredibly beautiful, conveys an expectancy of going forward in safety.  In this recording, “The Shepherd” is a She.

Is progress possible without change?  What a question!  When I asked some high school / college friends at lunch today, it was a no-brainer.  For them, progress equals change.

Here are some comments from the Gathering later this afternoon.

Progress has to have a strong spiritual dimension, or it isn’t progress.

Hymn 69, verse 1.  Progress is turning from wrong, spurning it, and making better choices.

Marjory said progress is going forward.  When one door closes, another opens.  Also that things often need to be stirred up before there is any progress.

Multiple Discussions

Bob affirmed that change is a necessary ingredient of progress.  And that there has to be openness and receptivity for there to be progress.  You can’t move forward unless you are willing and anxious to move.

Bonniesue referred to a book with the thoughtful title, Change or die.  Another book she likes, Henry Drummond’s A Changed Life,  (also available to read on-line) explains that change doesn’t come from anything within ourselves.  It comes from outside.  It isn’t self-will that changes us, but Christ.  As an apple doesn’t change color from within, but because the sun shines on it from the outside.

Clint asked if progress if physical or mental?   Is there a relationship?

Rob pointed out that in his workplace there is a need to be creative, to be prepared to meet the new technology with open minds.  He admitted it is difficult for older engineers to understand why anything needs to change.  They like things the way they are.  Younger engineers, by contrast, are eager to embrace the new era with a, “Let’s do it!” attitude.

George said that one obstacle to progress can be a perception that ease is good.  Not so, he said.  Progress allows for a sense of disequilibrium, some built in tension, give and take, as things move forward.  Ease can be an enemy to progress.

Barb S. makes a point

Rindy shared the thought that any first progressive step should start with the bigness of God.

Carol loves the idea from the Church Manual that branch churches are to be distinctly democratic in their government.  This implies a responsibility on locals to respond to the needs of their communities, to fulfill their individual missions, and not to lean on The Mother Church.

Barb O. shared how just one person welcoming new comers by inviting them all to breakfast one morning, for example, can help others recognize ways to be more welcoming.

Photo op after disucssing the promise of the new year

One woman told how the Fellowship and the Midwest Summit inspired her to take a stand that her church could not be bullied by tradition.  She found the courage to speak out when something seemed just plain wrong.  And how over the past year resistance to progress has dissolved, and four new members have joined.

Advertisement