April 1, 2006
No Fooling

Had a day of prayer this morning with
a few Friends of the Consortium. I spoke a bit
about discerning God's will--this is for individuals
but also for groups. A group discernment moving toward consensus
can be quite different from a democratic election. Group
discernment, as I understand it, seeks to avoid having
winners and losers. Rather it emphasizes praying for the guidance of the
Spirit--and accepting that guidance through the group consensus. It also focuses
more on the gifts which fulfill the present needs of the community.

A form of this model has been adopted by the World Council of Churches.
It will be interesting to see how this will work.

Drinking coffee as always.

John

April 1, 2006
No Fooling

Had a day of prayer this morning with
a few Friends of the Consortium. I spoke a bit
about discerning God's will--this is for individuals
but also for groups. A group discernment moving toward consensus
can be quite different from a democratic election. Group
discernment, as I understand it, seeks to avoid having
winners and losers. Rather it emphasizes praying for the guidance of the
Spirit--and accepting that guidance through the group consensus. It also focuses
more on the gifts which fulfill the present needs of the community.

A form of this model has been adopted by the World Council of Churches.
It will be interesting to see how this will work.

Drinking coffee as always.

John