Dear Family & Friends of Christ Church, 

​

Some of you know that I devote several weeks each summer to serving as a trainer at the College for Congregational Development, a program now active in 15 dioceses. The great majority of my time there is spent helping coach and encourage parish teams who, just like us, are excited about the ministry happening in their place. I always leave these experiences with a deeper appreciation for the faithfulness and dedication present in so many Episcopal communities, and pray that my presence and teaching has helped ignite a new spark.

Last week I spent time at Waycross Camp and Conference Center in the Diocese of Indianapolis. One of my presentations focused on the work of Edgar Schein, a 20th century psychologist. Born in Switzerland and educated at MIT, Schein developed ways of exploring the culture of organizations. He notes that anytime we engage with a culture outside of our own, we invariably make assessments and assumptions based on first impressions. At the core of his theory is the notion that “culture can only be understood by its members”. The only way, he suggests, for us to truly understand another culture is to engage with those who are already part of it.  

We used this framework to prepare our 50 participants to visit parishes from throughout the region and learn about another church’s culture. What do they value? How do they welcome? What ministries are most prioritized? Where is the transforming love of Christ most evident and encountered? How do others talk about the culture of their church community and family?

As I returned to NJ last week, I found myself reconnected to the sense of gratitude and blessing I feel in being part of this church culture. Schein says that culture is “deep, broad and stable”. It is not determined by any individual, but the result of a community’s values, solidified through time, practice and consistency. And so I wonder: what are some of the primary components of our Christ Church culture? What are some of those characteristics that define us, that are so deep in the core of our being that we rarely think about them? How might those encountering our parish for the first time experience us? How can we more fully live into our namesake as Christ’s Church, a reflection of Christ’s love in a wounded world?