A message from a steering committee member. This month: Kevin Yoho, Newark Presbytery
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Hello from Newark Presbytery... What is the possibility you are living into this very moment?

Each Middle Governing Body has a unique context geographically, historically, and organizationally. Our leadership teams increasingly express their gifts in unique configurations. Its easy to understand why we invest in doing whatever it is we do, better. We are passionate about an improved MGB, building a more responsive organization, or deploying ministry assets more faithfully, while trying our very best to bring forward everyone and everything we have valued in the past.

When Henry Ford's cars started appearing on the dusty roads of America, people wondered, "Where do you put the saddle?" thinking the car was just a faster horse.

The car was way more than a faster horse. Besides not needing a saddle, this sublime transportation technology changed the way we regarded boundaries and new conversations emerged. The use of the automobile transformed people's lives.

In Newark Presbytery, we realize that a "new" mission design, partnership, initiative, or model needs to be more than a faster, better, way to do what we have been doing. In many cases, what we have been doing no longer needs to be done. In every case, there are opportunities emerging that must not be lost.

During session listening conversations, I invite elders to set aside their assumptions and imagine ministry without (for example), their pews, choir, or familiar liturgy and worship schedule, or members, or (gasp) their building! For just a few, safe, minutes they are given permission to experience the initial anxieties but also the possibility of an eventual breakthrough. Its a joy to see conversations emerge that promote a more humble, intentional, and authentic ministry behavior.

I am the possibility that Newark Presbytery's 8,000 members are a blessing of reconciliation to our 800,000 neighbors. How about you? We don't need a saddle to drive a car. What are your MGB's game-changing possibilities? What is the possibility you are living into this very moment?

I welcome your comments and responses! Thank you for your ministry.
Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Yoho
Email: kevin@newarkpresbytery.org
Twitter: @kevinyoho
General Presbyter, Newark Presbytery