Challenging Conversations (Listening Circles) - December 1, 2021

December has begun, we are into Advent, but before we get fully into this season, I need to get you to think about next year for a minute.

There is a good chance that you have read or heard about Challenging Conversations.  When our denomination sent out a study report on Human Sexuality, it also sent out a method for having conversations about this report.  That method was titled “Challenging Conversations”.

Then someone had a conversation with me challenging me to change the title to “Listening Circles”, pointing out that the format of Challenging Conversations is based on Listening Circles.  For some of us “Listening Circles” sound a whole lot safer; for other, “Challenging Conversations” sound more engaging.  So, we have decided to let you think of it either way.  Whichever name helps you join in, feel free to call it that. For simplicity and consistency, however, we will call it Challenging Conversations.

At Mountainview, Challenging Conversations will take place January through March.  We have about a dozen people trained to facilitate the conversations.  You are asked to start planning to join in now so that we can form groups and start mid-January.  Our hope is to get groups that are a mix of ages.  We would like you to be able to hear from people with whom you don’t usually hang around.  The important thing to remember is that these are times where everyone is given the space to be heard and that no decisions will be made. It is an exercise that helps us to learn to listen well to each other.  A few of us have already experienced it and can tell you that it is a wonderful way to connect with people and feel safe even around what might be a stretching topic.

During the winter months, we are not encouraging small groups to meet but only because we would like you to be available for these conversations.  The sermon series at this time will be on relationships and so somewhat connected, but the sermons are not intended to be part of the material for the conversations. There is plenty of material in the Human Sexuality Report.  In fact, here is a link to the report and to a summary version so that you can start reading ahead if you so choose.

Finally, we have chosen a 5-session version of Challenging Conversations.  After 1)an opening session, the conversation will be around 2) biblical theology of sexuality, 3) singleness, divorce, cohabitation, 4) pornography, and 5) homosexuality and gender identity.  Each group will decide whether to meet weekly or bi-weekly or some variation on those options.  For now, anticipate an invitation to sign up and look forward to being led in a meaningful experience.

Pastor Erick