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I was once driving past an early learning centre that had a magnificent sign. It proclaimed "Teaching is the Art of Assisting Discovery".
If we think of Jesus as the great teacher, he assisted people in discovery. He opened them to the realm of God, the realm of the moral life, and the realm of sacred community.
As Anglicans, we have a highly institutionalized expression of Christianity. We cherish structures that are durable, predictable and manageable. But the institution is not an end in itself. Rather, it is meant to be a structure and a launching pad that allows an encounter with Christ and which assists discovery generation after generation.
As we read the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus, frequently His friends were astonished, amazed, or filled with wonder. They would awaken and engage as never before with new dimensions of reality. "Did not our hearts burn within us as He opened the Word?" (Luke 24:32)
Where are the places in our life, liturgy and teaching programs that allow real discovery?
On holiday in London, England one summer, I went walking on a beautiful Sunday evening looking for a church nearby my hotel. After searching some of the streets, I came across Holy Trinity, Brompton, where the famous Alpha Program began. I was late but the music coming out of the open doors surprised me and drew me inside. It was a refreshingly informal service led by Sandy Millar, with keen participation by all age groups, but particularly young adults.
After the service, the building turned into a marketplace for discovery. There was juice and discussion on the front lawn for the teens. There was a lecture in the bookstore downstairs. There was healing prayer in the side chapel. There was Bible study in an upper room and a meeting for young adults in another room. There were so many engaging opportunities for everyone! The service was the gathering point for real community, prayer and learning.
While it is not possible to simply copy a formula from one parish to another, we can all be inspired by the exceptional ministry at Brompton. It is exciting to be in a place where people are expecting discovery!
Item 72
©2006 Ronald C. Ferris
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