With Doc Brown’s DeLorean, or maybe The Doctor’s TARDIS, or a snap of Q’s fingers, I could go back in time and experience for myself the world in which my congregation operated a generation or two ago. Maybe I could gain more understanding of the tiered leadership structure in place. I might grasp the foundations of congregational polity of the Disciples of Christ as they formed in 1968. Then, I could slip forward to ten years ago when my congregation’s current mission statement was devised. Learning firsthand why First Christian Church of Independence Kansas historically does church the way we do would give me an edge in leadership. However, as time travel does not yet exist, allow me to provide some background before delving into two
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Although not multicultural, we are somewhat multi-generational and in the midst of transition. From that perspective, all three principles intermingled could set in motion a circle of “we” where none currently exists. Studying Sankofa can bridge the gaps between the mostly Builder and Boomer congregation with the handful of Gen-Xers and Millennials. Focusing initially on the past might diffuse any creeping resistance as the conversation moves toward the future. Tying the work and generosity of the elders to the gratitude and visions of the youngest might ease the grief of the oldest and frustrations of the newest generations, thus allowing a foundation for a “we” culture to begin. Perhaps capturing elements where the generations have built bridges to the future and sharing those within each individual study can provide a sense of connection no matter where someone joins …show more content…
Coupled with the Protestant ethic described by Bordas, FCC’s very DNA mirrors the worst of today’s social class structure. Builders treat Boomers as teens, Gen-Xers as pre-teens, and Millennials as tiny tots. When a 30 year old successful business owner eagerly offers to work at our once a week community wide homeless meal, they are treated like small children by the builders who run the kitchen. Not surprisingly, the Millennial does not return to serve and the builders moan that no one will help. Without solid research, my understanding of FCC builders’ behavior comes from their rural upbringing within large families where each child cared for the next child down the line while parents were scratching out a living on the farm. Bordas’ statement on intergenerational leadership building on “the principle of leaders as equals, which fosters equitable relationships, and develops each person’s capacity,” might result in vigorous nodding of heads among the younger crowd but also see stern and stony faces from the
Although not multicultural, we are somewhat multi-generational and in the midst of transition. From that perspective, all three principles intermingled could set in motion a circle of “we” where none currently exists. Studying Sankofa can bridge the gaps between the mostly Builder and Boomer congregation with the handful of Gen-Xers and Millennials. Focusing initially on the past might diffuse any creeping resistance as the conversation moves toward the future. Tying the work and generosity of the elders to the gratitude and visions of the youngest might ease the grief of the oldest and frustrations of the newest generations, thus allowing a foundation for a “we” culture to begin. Perhaps capturing elements where the generations have built bridges to the future and sharing those within each individual study can provide a sense of connection no matter where someone joins …show more content…
Coupled with the Protestant ethic described by Bordas, FCC’s very DNA mirrors the worst of today’s social class structure. Builders treat Boomers as teens, Gen-Xers as pre-teens, and Millennials as tiny tots. When a 30 year old successful business owner eagerly offers to work at our once a week community wide homeless meal, they are treated like small children by the builders who run the kitchen. Not surprisingly, the Millennial does not return to serve and the builders moan that no one will help. Without solid research, my understanding of FCC builders’ behavior comes from their rural upbringing within large families where each child cared for the next child down the line while parents were scratching out a living on the farm. Bordas’ statement on intergenerational leadership building on “the principle of leaders as equals, which fosters equitable relationships, and develops each person’s capacity,” might result in vigorous nodding of heads among the younger crowd but also see stern and stony faces from the