If it feels like you don't know where you're going, that's okay. Here's something that can help you reflect on what God might have in store for you and your congregation.

Issue 22: February 2023

From Hope to Action

By Cathy Wille Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: “Despair can come from deep grief, but it can also be a defense against the risks of bitter disappointment and shattering heartbreak. Resignation and cynicism are easier, more self-soothing postures that do not require raw vulnerability and tragic risk of hope. To choose hope is to step firmly forward into the howling wind, baring one's chest to the elements, knowing that, in time, the storm will pass.”  On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I found myself reflecting on the many people who, in addition to Tutu, have risked to choose hope and stepped firmly forward into the howling wind: There is environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who says: “The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere.” And Malala Yousafzai, who is fighting for girls’ education after she was shot for opposing Taliban restrictions on female education in her home country of Pakistan. And Rosa Parks, who decided to sit in the front of the bus at a time when black people were relegated to the back. I’m sure you can think of many more people who have chosen hope by deciding to take action.

The question that came during my reflection is: What motivates these people? What is it that empowers them to take the risk to help bring about change? In her book Intrinsic Hope: Living Courageously in Troubled Times, Kate Davies says there are only three factors that motivate human action:  Consequentialism: People are motivated to achieve a particular result – the ends justify the means.  A sense of responsibility: Duty-based ethics – where the quality of the actions are most important -- are based on the belief that we are all connected.  Virtue ethics: Actions that reveal our highest ideals and principles. Parker Palmer calls this third factor living “an undivided life.” Davies says: “Living an undivided life is about bridging the gap between our beliefs and how we actually live.”    Of the three types of motivations, consequentialism is most common. Consequentialism, which is outcome-based, often brings difficult feelings because you either achieve your goal or you don’t. The least-used type is virtue ethics. We have only to listen to the news today to know that is true. As we contemplate the future role of the church in society, how can people of faith maximize the teaching of these virtues (wisdom, courage, moderation, justice, faith, hope and love) as motivators for the next generation?  In reality, most of us engage all three types of motivators at one time or another, or even in the same action. Davies says: “Reflecting on my own motivations for taking action, there’s no doubt that I want to stop climate disruption, poverty, pollution, biodiversity loss, etc. (consequentialism), but I am also motivated by my love and caring for other living beings (responsibility-based ethics) and by my ideal and principles (virtue ethics).” She goes on to say: “Over time, I have found that the more I think about my responsibility to others and my internal moral compass, the less I am emotionally attached to achieving a particular result and the more hopeful I am.” Being the church geek that I am, my next question is: How do we, as people of faith, use all three of these motivators to move to action and thus more hopefulness? In the story of the “Good Samaritan” ( Luke 10:25-37) we learn about the Samaritan who disrupted his life to 1) come to the aid of a Jew who was part of a group of people who discriminated against him; 2) change his route and took the assaulted man to an inn; and 3) take his own money to pay for the person’s stay and care. In rereading this story, I believe the Samaritan, too, exhibited all three motivations. I was surprised how forcefully Jesus’ challenge to “Go and do likewise” at the conclusion of the parable spoke to me, considering the multitude of times I have read it throughout my lifetime.                In his essay “On Being a Good Neighbor,” MLK challenges us with the next step, growing out of the disruptions of the parable, to help make the roadway safer so incidents like this don’t happen again. Indeed, we, as people of faith, are invited to provide opportunities that engage people, through whatever type of motivation, so that we can “choose hope by stepping firmly into the howling wind” and take action to bring about a better world.  Discussion questions:   What type of opportunities have you provided that motivated people to take action? What type of motivation(s) did you use?  How are you most often motivated?  Which type of motivator is most challenging for you? Why do you think that is true?  At this time of disruption, i.e., the pandemic, what “roadways” are motivating you to action at this time.  How has taking action made you more hopeful?

Join the Discussion: From hope to action

The Supportive Ministries Team hosts a monthly discussion on topics from this newsletter. The next one, "From hope to action," takes place on Zoom at noon on Wednesday, March 1.   Register here

Recommended Resources

Davies, Kate, Intrinsic Hope: Living Courageously in Troubled Times,” New Society Publishers, British Columbia, Canada, 2018.  Palmer, Parker, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Towards an Undivided Life, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1999.  “On Being a Good Neighbor” (an essay) Martin Luther King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, 1963.  Susan Beaumont, “Five Assumptions Failing Us Now”   Some of Parker Palmer’s thoughts on Hope and Action

Missed these articles? Revisit these thought-provoking articles from previous issues. Many include questions for groups discussions in your congregation, or for personal reflection. Loving the World by Rev. Bob Ullman Toward a more hope-filled Advent by the Rev. Julie Goranson Gratitude and hope by the Rev. Tim Perkins Come and Find the Quiet Center by Rev. Bob Ullman From Tending to Renewing the Soul of the Beloved Community by Rev. Bob Ullman Tending to the Trauma of the Pandemic in our Congregations by Lisa Hart Crisis Leadership for God's Beloved by Cathy Wille Lent: A Season of Discernment, by Rev. Tim Perkins Grounded in Lent, by Rev. Bob Ullman Behavioral Covenants, by Rev. Mike Southcombe There was no room at the Inn, but Everyone was Welcome at the Manger, by Cathy Wille, retired pastoral/mental health counselor Longing for Belonging: How Will Our Congregations be Re-membered? by the Rev. Bob Ullman Why WISE? by Lisa Hart

Conference Supportive Ministries In addition to the direct support to pastors and congregations provided by Wisconsin Conference staff, here are some of the supportive ministries congregations can take advantage of. Follow the link below to learn more about this programs and how your church might benefit. Conflict Transformation Coaching Partners Grants and assistance programs Communities of Practice for Clergy or Faith Formation Appreciative Inquiry 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations Readiness 360 View a comprehensive list with more information about Supportive Ministries offerings.

Supportive Ministries Task Force Through this communication, the Wisconsin Conference Supportive Ministries Task Force provides articles, discussion guides and other resources for clergy and congregations on coping and thriving as we navigate the current turbulent waters. Supportive Ministries Task Force members from top left are Bob Ullman, Lisa Hart, Bonnie Andrews, Cathleen Wille and Tim Perkins.

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