As one of the 700 who gathered in Seattle last week for the ONE project, I thought I'd offer a few reflections. As I also played a role in shaping the experience my observations are both my own and from the many who have generously shared ideas and perspectives.
This was a gathering of people who expressed strong public commitment for God, the Holy Scriptures, Adventist history, Adventist doctrine, Ellen White, the founders of Adventism, and the global Christian congregation called the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I have heard repeatedly, "How awesome to have so many people of several generations, genders, and geographies affirming commitment to Jesus Christ and his work in this Advent faith tradition." The feeling of loyalty and "stick-to-it-ed-ness" was palpable.
This was a conversation that challenged the church publicly about issues that generally are discussed in private settings. Several issues that mattered much to Jesus: affirmation of both men and women as called by God, racial reconciliation, healthy relationship to "sheep of other folds," and a positive view of doctrine's purpose were all included. This was an honesty conversation amid people faithful to the cause of Christ within the Adventist context. This was a conversation that dealt squarely with some of the most important missional issues facing us, particularly in the global west.
I was personally very happy that while hard issues were put on the table, both from those amplified by microphones and within the table conversations, there was an absence of ill spirit toward any one or any one group. There were certainly expressions of passion, frustration, desire, conviction, hope, and possibility, but the focus was on issues, not people. This was a constructive gathering.
I have heard from more than one that an expectation for more biblical, exegetical reflection on the life of Jesus would be presented. I think this is a fair critique that I would share. CHICAGO in 2013 will focus on the FOUR GOSPELS and draw from the narratives told therein. And we are excited to have six new presenters as part of the teaching team.
The quality of the worship, the music, the celebration of the communion and the anointing of hands were all beautiful, and excellent. The choice of location, the way the meetings began on time and ended on time and afforded time for additional conversations and reflections in restaurants and in the hallways of the hotel was important. The absence of endless announcements, promotions, speeches, and selling stuff was appreciated. Even the absence of introductions for those who spoke and the absence of any titles on all of the name badges was noticed. While there were many well-known Adventists in attendance, this was not about who we were but Who He Is and the human relationships (Galatians 3:28) He cares about.
I was deeply moved by a long-time friend in attendance who is no longer an Adventist. This man's heartfelt appreciation for this experience and his signed-on-the-dotted-line commitment to participate in Chicago next year moved me to emotion. How I wish these kinds of gatherings were around over the past 20-30 years. The desire for open dialogue has been around for a very long time. I wonder how many have wandered away because they did not feel free to "raise a hand" and "ask a question." I was also touched by a young man who said, "I'M SO PROUD, FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO BE A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN." That just speaks volumes. Over and over and over again I have heard this sentiment--greater passion for Jesus and for the Adventist Church than ever before.
Finally, my overall sense is there is a major generational shift afoot. There is a desire to move "real" conversation into the public square. There is a desire for honest dialogue (even if it is at times uncomfortable), held in the company of people who are not simply deconstructionists but rather constructionists--men and women who deeply love the church and care about its future, particularly in the global west. There is a desire to be both faithful and honest, loyal and open.
I'm writing this from the annual convention of the Pacific Press Publishing, Review & Herald Publishing, and ABC Christian Bookstore managers. We are here in Houston, where I preached this morning on the blessedness of this church and the Jesus who invites us into a bold and beautiful future. I sense something is afoot, as we sit among these many printed volumes of words, that the Word and His desire for a healthy, vibrant future for Adventism is widely desired. I see it in the faces assembled here, a hopefulness for a brighter and more productive future in the days ahead.
