And Here We Go

This is my first post to the Moderator's Blog that the techno-wizards in Louisville have set up for me (we've archived something I wrote for the Presbyterian Leader about the role of elders, but this is the first true post). I freely confess that I am not as adept at this sort of thing as former Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow and former Vice Moderator Byron Wade. They have shown, however, how effective blogs and social media can be in connecting all of us across the entire church, so I hope to post thoughts and comments here as often as possible -- and I'm sure my Vice Moderator, Landon Whitsitt, will gently encourage me if I fall behind.

Speaking of Landon, he's in Montreat this week at the Church Unbound conference -- I hope he'll share his thoughts when he gets back.

I'm still taking in everything that happened in Minneapolis at the General Assembly. I was truly amazed and grateful at how consensus was reached on the difficult issues surrounding the Middle East report. I believe the Assembly sought to find common ground in its action regarding marriage.

Of course I was gratified by the decision to approve the new Form of Government proposal. I was also encouraged by the approval of the Middle Governing Bodies Commission. Bruce and I will be appointing the members of this commission in early fall. Both of these actions are important, it seems to me, because for me the most critical issue facing us as a denomination is how we, as a denomination, survive -- and, let's hope, thrive -- in what some are calling a post-denominational age. At a minimum, we've got to rethink how presbyteries and synods can best carry out their main function -- which is to support, encourage, and enhance the mission and ministry of our congregations.

That's my sense of what's the most critical issue before us. What do you think?

Kudos go out to YAAD Rachel Rothenberg, from Pittsburgh, who is making us all proud this week as she competes on Jeopardy. Way to go Rachel!

Comments

[kathrynzj]

Thank you for your leadership, which includes trying new things in the name of great communication across the breadth of our denomination.

[Teri]

Cindy Bolbach blogging. Now I really do believe in miracles!

[valerie]

Great job, Cindy! How wonderful that you are willing to try so many new things! The church is blessed to have an elder and a Moderator such as you. P.S. We are having a great time watching Rachel on Jeopardy. She's fantastic!

[Leslianne Braunstein]

Am grateful for you -- and your blog! Way to go, helping us be informed. For all of Bruce's and Byron's technowizardry it really was, and continues to be all about communication -- keeping those things we must consider deeply front and center. I am grateful you continue to do this . . .

[Kris Bair]

GA was great--and now the work really begins. It's going to take some real creativity and thought to be able to present FOG to our presbyteries for their vote--will there be any ideas forthcoming?

[Ynr97]

Thank you, Cindy, for your willingness to try something new! You're practicing what we're preaching...change is possible, you just have to be willing to learn something new and try it~

[Mary Lynn]

"Elders Rule" has become one of my favorite comments...of course, it is accompanied by the appropriate fist pump. Thank you for your service.

[Walkertexasrev]

Podcast is next!