2010 Gathering Recap

Our best attempt at improv. We clearly still have much to learn!

Last week we had the privilege of hearing from Peter Cha and Lee Eclov as we explored what it means to be improvising pastors, and while the 2010 Gathering of the Young Pastors Network may be behind us, the knowledge we gleaned from our seasoned speakers will stick with us.

Our gathering centered on the idea that as pastors live in the world of improvisation. Wynton Marsalis, one of the greats in the world of jazz, knows more than a little bit about improvisation, and his definition guided our discussion.

“Improvisation is the willingness to live within the bounds of the past and yet search for the future at the same time. Improvisation is the desire to make something new out of something old…It is experience in being open to letting the people around you have an impact on what you are creating.” Wynton Marsalis

Improvisation is where the past intersects with the future. We, as young pastors, stand at that crossroads. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us, yet we are continually looking ahead, moving as the Spirit guides us, and growing as the Body of Christ. This past week we discussed this intersection and what is required of us to live and minister here.

We discovered together that we must live in a state of Relaxed Awareness, learning to be more aware of what God is doing in our midst, and more aware of the contributions others around us can make in our lives and ministries. We also recognized that improv is about Constrained Contingency, living in boundaried freedom. To do this we must know the story we are telling deeply, know who we are with our unique, Spirit-given gifts, and know the boundaries of our own faith traditions. Finally we live in a state of Disciplined Spontaneity. Those who improvise are masters of their craft, and mastery comes through discipline. Those who have been formed through discipline are then free to respond spontaneously in any situation that arises.

Relaxed Awareness. Constrained Contingency. Disciplined Spontaneity. These are the building blocks of improv and the building blocks of sustainable pastoral ministry.

All in all, we had a great few days together. We’d love to have you join us next year. Be watching for dates later this fall!