I mentioned to those gathered on Sunday morning that I had met our new bishop, Jim Dorff, at a gathering at Mt. Wesley on Saturday.  This was an introductory meeting for all the conference committees, led off by a time with Bishop Dorff.
    I was inspired and encouraged by what he chose to offer straight out of the chute, to leaders in our conference.  Here’s a bit of what he believes we need to remember as especially important:
    *Ministry (and that means everybody, but especially those undertaking intentional leadership in the church) should be motivated by Grace, not by control.
    *Ministry should be about staying true to the mission and vision of Christ for the church, rather than about managing structures.
    *Ministry should allow for absolute flexibility about all things, except for strict adherence to values that honor each person’s sacred right to affirmation and evolution as a follower of Christ—nothing that gets in the way of that should be allowed.
    *The ministry of leaders need not (and in fact should not) be about proffering answers, but should rather be about listening for the right questions, and staying with the processes of community.
      From what he shared of his own faith journey, and from everything about his way of being with us, I got the clear impression that he has lived out of this understanding of his calling throughout his long and varied career in ordained ministry.
     Bishop Dorff even offered this useful insight, about discerning Spirit call and direction:
    He said he still has to engage in discernment processes, from time to time, to continue to ask for God’s guidance about his calling and ministry, and to be willing to go in new directions.  When someone asked him if that kept his vision fresh, and if that way of being might be healthy for those gathered and their churches, he offered an unequivocal affirmation.
     It’s always refreshing to be in the presence of a bright, accomplished, gifted leader who recognizes the importance of humility, balance, and openness while living out of a strong commitment to a lofty, visionary goal. 
    And there’s one more thing:  he seems happy to be here!  His words were offered with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of humor.  It’s quite possible he wants us to actually enjoy being in ministry—the truest sign of authentic presence, and real vision.
     Bishop Dorff has high hopes, and equally high expectations of us, as participants with him in fulfilling our sacred charge from the living Christ.
He wants us to take to heart our mission to offer Christ’s love to all, and to participate in making our world a better, more loving place.
     I look forward to learning from him, and being in ministry with him and with you, for Christ’s sake,  this Sunday and all our days to come.
 
Shalom,
Sarah