Strategize to Build Trust

The latest news from the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency.

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News Feed - March 2019

Strategize to Build Trust

In doing my work I spend a lot of time on airplanes. I have become somewhat knowledgeable about airplanes and most of the time I don’t think twice about the routines of flight. I usually choose the same seat flying east, 21A, and flying west, 21F. Both of these are window seats on the north side of the airplane, and also exit row seats that lean back.

This past week I discovered, not only that I shouldn’t blindly fall into habitual patterns, I was also reminded that I was placing my trust in things that really don’t deserve my unwavering trust. On one flight I settled into my seat on a Boeing 757, only to discover that my exit row seat didn’t lean back… the configuration on the plane had a second exit row behind me, resulting in five hours of sitting straight up.

The other flight was on a Boeing 737–900 Max. I was aware of the issues with the Boeing 737-800 Max and decided I need not worry, only to have the government ground all the Max airplanes the next day; both 800s and 900s. I discovered I should have been concerned about my safety and not place my trust in my own understanding.

The whole idea of “trust” has become an important theme in my life. When there is trust in relationship, there is a solid and meaningful foundation. When trust does not exist, people do not feel safe. When I trust that God is sovereign, even if I don’t completely understand how that works, I not only feel safe, I feel loved and cared for. It provides me with confidence, and allows me to navigate each day without fear and anxiety.

When there is not trust, anxiety and fear dominate. In an airplane, when it appears something might be wrong with the aircraft I become white-knuckled, tense and obsessed by thoughts of fear and impending disaster. When I let go of the thought that God is sovereign and forget that He extends His grace in all situations, I become paralyzed with fear, giving up on God, attempting to take control of matters myself. Often, I place all my effort in controlling that which is not mine to control and never will be.

The MFCA, and also the denomination, are in times of change and disparity. We try to do what is right only to have others question our motivation. While perhaps our motivation should be questioned, there are healthy ways to do that. More likely, we choose dysfunctional ways to deal with disagreement and our trust fades and falters. Anxiety levels rise and people polarize by choosing a position, refusing to continue dialogue. People are convinced of their own “truth” and ignore the words from the prayer of St. Francis: “seek to understand more than to be understood.”

James White suggests that “we’ve construed our relationships largely in terms of competition – against one another and against the icons of the ideal that have been painted for us.” (You are What you Love, 50) Issues that are best kept marginal become our main focus, creating conflict and competition where there are winners and losers.

Trust on the other hand, enables a non-competitive posture, encourages dialogue, and allows people to process disagreement while remaining committed to harmony and meaningful relationship. Before we attempt to resolve our disagreements, we must establish “trust.” My prayer for the MFCA and the denomination is that we begin to learn to trust first. “How might we go about that? Patrick Lencione in The Advantage writes: “The best way to combat it is to help team members understand one another on a fundamental level and to give them as much information as possible about who a person is and why this person might act [or believe] the way he or she does. By doing this, we greatly increase the likelihood that people will replace their unfair judgments with insight and empathy that allow the team to build trust and goodwill with one another.” (33)

We need to get honest with one another, as members of the faith community called the RCA. We are most honest when we are willing to recognize that most of us are bundles of paradoxes. Brenden Manning speaks of his internal paradoxes in the following manner: “I believe and I doubt. I hope and get discouraged. I love and I hate. I feel bad about feeling good. I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games.” (The Ragamuffin Gospel, 23) I see myself in Manning’s statement. I believe it is important to admit we all live with some, if not all of these paradoxes. Not one of us can claim to know God’s mind with any certainty. We are best to allow persons to reveal their struggles without fear of judgment. To admit our uncertainties allows healthy dialogue and builds trust.

Let’s create an environment where we strategize, not to have our side win, but to interact in transparent ways so as to build trust.

Cor

Courses & Events

AAR Certification Committee
Holland, MI May 29, 2019

RCSC Certification Committee
Holland, MI June 4 – 6, 2019

General Synod
Holland, MI June 6 – 11, 2019

MFCA Board of Trustees
Virtual Meeting June 12, 2019

RCA Worship
May 30 – June 4, 2019 (Holland, MI)
Co-instructors: Timothy Brown & Gregg Mast

ANNOUNCEMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Rev. Dr. Felix Theonugraha has been named president elect of Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Theonugraha most recently served as vice president for Student Life and University Services at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. He is not only an MFCA alum, he has served for six years as a trustee on the MFCA Board. He plans to officially start July 1^st.

Congratulations to Rev. Roelofs Oomen for starting a new position as predikant at Hersteld Hervormde Gemeente in the Netherlands. The Oomen family had been serving in South Africa.

Rev. Chad and Hillary Blake announce the birth of Lewis Edwin Blake on February 1^st. The Blakes serve in Irvine, CA.

Faith Community Church of Edmonds, Washington is accepting applications for the lead pastor position. You will find information on our church website at www.faithedmonds.org. If you sense the Holy Spirit guiding you toward this ministry, we would welcome your application and the opportunity to know more about you. You may request a church profile through the MFCA if interested.

Albany Synod Fellows Program:

Individuals are encouraged to apply for the Fellows program! This is a rigorous two-year program intended for those who are newly ordained or ready for ordination. It is designed to equip adaptive leaders for the present and future of the church. The program allows participants to put their learning into practice, continue learning in a supportive environment, and experiment with a team, most likely representing more than one small, historic congregation. In a region identified as “post-Christian” where many new ministers burnout, this program is a unique opportunity to learn skills that will allow participants to thrive for years to come. Applications are due in May. Apply now!

Please address any additional questions to Abby Norton Levering (nortonlevering@gmail.com) or Sherri Meyer-Veen (PastorSherriMV@gmail.com)

Director's Travel Schedule

March 19 – 21 Newark, NJ
April 11 Vancouver, BC
April 12 Kent, WA
May 26 – June 12 Holland, MI

There will be more trips scheduled and candidates will be contacted regarding meetings with the director.