“Unless religion leads us on a path to both depth and honesty, much religion is actually quite dangerous to the soul and to society.” --Richard Rohr
Below the tip of the iceberg and the cascading impact of demographic changes, beneath the crises and the collision of paradigms, lies a troubled soul. The metric for measuring a community’s soul and the degree to which they are thriving has little to do with the number of members or new ministries; it has everything to do with the spirit among the members and the meaning and purpose they ascribe to their lives. We have a culture of community that either nurtures a desire for life or seduces an inclination toward death. Thriving communities are a green space for growth. They use their power to empower others and enhance the world around them. They build upon dreams, take risks, and work through conflict and tensions. They see problems as opportunities and view transformation as a collective endeavor. They share the burdens of the present and focus their energy, time, and resources on a building a better tomorrow.
Dunn, Ted, Graced Crossroads: Pathways to Deep Change & Transformation, CSS Publications, 2020, pp. 124-143
