Bishop Sally Dyck: Two Imperatives > Social Transformation

At the Minnesota Annual Conference this year, two gospel-based imperatives were adopted; they are intended to guide and shape the ministries of every congregation. The first is, "Reach new people." The second is, "Cultivate spiritual vitality." I sent a query to our Conference bishop, Sally Dyck, this week, asking whether a third imperative would follow, possibly something on social transformation, and her thoughtful response follows here.

"In terms of another imperative in relation to change/transformation, I'd be interested in what you have in mind, but I see (the first two imperatives--reaching new people, and cultivating spiritual vitality) as means to change; (the two imperatives) are like eating 5-7 fresh fruits and vegetables. Health is not (the) 5-7 fruits and vegetables; health is the result of eating them. Change(is the result of pursuing) these imperatives....

"Actually I've spent a lot of time in the last few days thinking about next year's annual conference in terms of change/transformation. I'm pretty excited about possibilities of speakers, themes, worship, etc.!!! I hope we have some celebrations in terms of how cultivating spiritual vitality and reaching new people will help us witness to transformation in our lives, in our churches, in our communities and in our world!"

So, each one of us has this opportunity and adventure before us: how can our personal and active spiritual life (prayer, Bible study,worship, and so on), as well as our reaching out to new people and new relationships also lead to transformed, just, warm-hearted churches, communities and nations? How can we be a people of Jesus' Spirit for the redemption of the world?

Bishop Sally Dyck is asking anyone who cares to do so to join this conversation on her blog which you can find at the Minnesota Annual Conference's website.