Aug 5

Aug 5 Reflection Roundup: Integral Digital Connection

Each week we gather news stories, notable pieces, and other important items for Christian leaders today. As always, listening broadly draws together differing perspectives from which we can learn but may not concur. Here are 10 things worth sharing this week.

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1. Bread for the World released this statement to the press last week: “House Foreign Affairs Committee Unanimously Passes Bill to Boost Global Nutrition.” Eugene Cho, president and CEO, joins the entire organization and its affiliates in celebrating “the introduction and passage of the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 4693) by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.” This bill serves “to advance targeted and evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of global malnutrition and to improve the coordination of such programs, and for other purposes.” Cho reminds, “Courageous U.S. congressional leadership as displayed by the Committee’s passage of H.R. 4693 is crucial to further nutrition progress, will derail the impacts of COVID-19, and fulfill God's call and our commitment to end hunger in our lifetime." Look for more conversation from Cho as the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry collaborates with ACU’s Baptist Studies Center for a webinar on September 29.

2. Seattle pastor Eugene Cho, author of Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World? and more recently Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics, writes in such a way that reminds the reader that we must act in just ways and not simply mourn the issues of the day. Christians must invest in the inequities culture expresses in myriad ways because we believe the gospel; this is the spirit of a piece Cho wrote in response to the 2014 tragedy in Ferguson. He cautions against infatuation with the idea of change apart from the expenditure of personal resources and is a leading voice to which we must not only attend but also take action.

3. Bobby Ross, Jr., editor in chief of the Christian Chronicle, facilitated a conversation on Monday called “Video: Panel discusses how Christians should respond to same-sex marriage.” Generous panelists Sally Gary and Guy Hammond openly express views on Scripture and issues related to the topic, each naming openness to conversation and other resources connected to the conversation. Praise to the Chronicle and willing participants for keeping the conversation open in churches. Please commit to listening in entirety.

4. Thank you to Jason Locke for this sound and courageous reminder that our Stone-Campbell heritage is one of curiosity and openness. For Mosaic, Locke writes “Why I Value an Open Mind,” chronicling three generations of family who preached for the Churches of Christ and made an impact, sometimes “going against the grain” of their times. As a fellowship, we are grateful for those among us who do everything it takes to grow courage and empathy, providing models for leaders and ministers today.

5. D. Michael Lindsay queries, “Are you ready for your ‘hinge moments’?” for Faith & Leadership, speaking from his “new book based on a 10-year study of top leaders.” He “argues that all of us face “hinge moments” – inflection points that have a disproportionate impact on our lives.” Lindsay differentiates between transition that comes upon us in an instant versus transition that can take several years to exhaust. Initially aiming at a high school and college-aged audience and turning the crosshairs toward himself, Lindsay vets the seven phases we all go through while navigating life’s doors, which we can open or allow to remain closed. As he names the most difficult phase, Lindsay normalizes it as we all move through seasons of death and resurrection in our own lives.

6. Katherine Willis Pershey, associate minister at First Congregational Church in Western Springs, Illinois, writes “It takes faith to resist the attention economy” for the Christian Century, saying “We need to relearn a capacity to dwell in God’s presence.” She addresses our attention – as in, what gets most of it – boldly reminding this is our truest measure of worship. “We need to cultivate the sort of resilient solitude immune to the temptation to check for notifications.” Citing Jenny Odell’s 2019 book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, Pershey encourages that we make conscious choices with our attention, grounding in the wonders of the physical world and the ubiquitous presence of the Holy Spirit, ever seeking to behold Christ.

7. Carey Nieuwhof presents “7 Weird Lies About Online Church Pastors Need to Stop Believing.” In this piece for his own blog, he systematically and directly articulates negative thoughts we’ve all had toward technology, gives them each respectful consideration, and proceeds to persuade how we’re really kidding ourselves if we continue to believe them. The online context, as a partner to relating in person, is a tool we must hone our ability to utilize. Technology is clunky, yet when paired with nimble usage, facilitates the otherwise impossible. Nieuwhof reminds, “In the midst of an unprecedented amount of change, it’s natural to cling to the familiar. It’s also a terrible leadership strategy.” He encourages us all to grow our willingness to explore the strengths of this opportunity as it’s here to stay. Additionally, free registration for the Online Church Engagement Summit Nieuwhof mentions is available for viewing any time.

8. Religion News Service author Whitney Bauck reports, “Krista Tippett on why it’s past time to ‘humanize digital spaces,” in which “the host of ‘On Being’ makes a case for embracing new forms of digitally mediated spiritual practice.” Developed to facilitate connection, the On Being Wisdom mobile app pours sage presence through the amplified yet liminal digital space into which the pandemic has pressed religion and spirituality. Joining where God is working with integrity, wherever that may be, is the goal. Tippett says, “I think we have to put real intelligence, muscle, and goodwill toward shaping more humane digital experiences.” It’s free and worth checking out!

9. Clayton Trutor writes “From Eric Liddell to Allyson Felix: Why Faithful Fans Are Drawn to Olympians” for Christianity Today, detailing the stories that have kept fans all over the world glued to these events for as long as anyone can remember. Athletes utilize their physical talents to create a platform for their true purpose in life as exemplars of the gospel in action. “Olympians find themselves on a unique stage – representing their country before the rest of the world. As outspoken Christians, they, too, become global representatives of the faith.” Be sure and click the link within the piece to another by Morgan Lee, which chronicles stories of Christian athletes from around the world at these games.

10. “The Olympic athletes in Tokyo represent many faiths. The religious variety is sometimes stated and visible, and sometimes not. Here are a few of the images from the Games where we [Religion News Service] spotted the intersection of religion and sports.”