The Old Old Story Project
For those who would like to know more about the Doctor of Ministry, (D.Min.) degree I am doing at Drew University, I am including here a few of the relevant documents from the courses I have been taking. This is not required reading for all you web surfers! I just include them here in the event you find them interesting. The program, or concentration, is called Congregational Growth and Development. The first paper included here is the "Prospectus" Written last Fall, it is simply a description of the project I am currently doing with congregation regarding the understanding of scriptures. It is my hope I can de-mystify the reading of the Bible. I'd like to make it easier for folks to read and connect with the vital stories of the Christian faith. The prospectus follows the university's specific format and includes a comprehensive bibliography. It details the activities involved and their purpose. It had to be approved by the D. Min. advisors before work could begin on the actual project.
The second document is a story/sermon preached January 3, 2010, entitled, "Daniel, Joseph and Me." A story of when I was four years old and in a hole.
The project period will end in late April, early May. Then I will have ten months to write the project dissertation. If things go as I hope, I will receive the D.Min. degree in May, 2011.
Project Prospectus
For the Degree of Doctor of Ministry
At Drew University
David C. Lehmkuhl
TITLE
Connecting to the Old, Old Story;
Weaving A Congregation’s Narratives into the Biblical Narrative
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Biblical illiteracy is a spiritual problem that is at least partially caused by a failure to connect one’s own narratives, including the shared narrative of the faith community, to the larger story of the scriptures.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the project is to discover and design an approach to the Biblical narrative that will enable individuals to connect that narrative with their own personal narratives. This project seeks to connect the people of First United Methodist Church of Somerville to the people of scripture.
SCOPE
The project period will be the months of January through April 2010, inclusive.
The period will be divided into two phases, discovery and design.
The two phases, roughly earlier and later, will nonetheless be interdependent and will inform and impact each other throughout the project period.
Participation will be invitational and voluntary, openly articulated to all members and constituents of the congregation, but primarily involving only those who choose to participate.
Specific events include Sunday morning worship services, adult study classes, Lenten study classes, Sunday School teachers workshops, open house events at the parsonage and a series of visits and lay and clergy interviews with interested laity.
Nearly all of these are already part of the church routine and will be co-opted for the purposes of the project. The only events added to our current congregational routine specifically because of the project are the open houses and interviews.
The members of the current Discipleship committee have become the Lay advisory Committee and will meet regularly during the project period to assess the level of congregational awareness, participation and enthusiasm.
It is not anticipated that there will be more than five interviewers or thirty interviewees.
It is understood that an individual’s narrative is not singular and linear but complex and made up of multiple narratives woven from the individual’s context over time. As such, it is likely to include stories from family, career, congregation (including pastor and staff,) community, denomination, world.
Narratives are story, not counseling, therapy or psychoanalysis.
The design phase will attempt to identify connections between the collected narratives and subsequent Bible learning possibilities.
METHODOLOGY
The pastor will attempt to take full advantage of his visibility and influence throughout congregation before, during and after the project. Using the traditional roles of pastor, preacher, priest, teacher, leader and administrator the pastor will attempt to create a safe and informed environment for storytelling to take place and the connections made to the larger story of God’s unfolding grace.
While it is this pastor’s goal to increase biblical literacy through storytelling, most people are interested in improving their own life story. This is not a conflict of interests but an overlapping and may hold the key to greater participation. Ultimately, the success of the project hinges not upon the pastor but upon the convergence of the overlapping goals, the narratives of the people, the precision with which obstacles are defined, and the degree of wisdom and compassion in the discussion and design of teaching/learning possibilities.
Beginning now and continuing at least through the project period, the pastor will be intentional about “story,” “story-telling,” “narrative,” and “connection.” This means including and calling attention to stories in sermons for adults and children alike, liturgy, sacraments, devotions, conversations in the hallway, publications such as the bulletin, newsletter, and pastoral letters.
Stories from the church’s history will be told.
Because this the 80th anniversary of our current building and the inauguration year of our brand new handicapped accessible elevator, full advantage will be taken of the church’s architecture and need for interior re-decoration as an opportunity to define what “speaks” of hospitality, grace, strength, holiness, beauty, sanctuary, and why.
All of the above are part of the “casting the vision” phase, creating an urgency about affecting cultural change. Some have already been occurring prior to the project period but of necessity continue into it as well.
Beginning January 3, 2010 and continuing for the remainder of January the Sunday worship service will radically change format to feature video and Powerpoint presentations and time for congregational dialogue. The intent is to get the attention of the congregation; to challenge their imaginations and elicit their cooperation and participation in the project. (A new early service will be added to the schedule to accommodate those who truly prefer a more traditional service and are willing to come at 8:30 AM.)
Visitations in the homes of congregants, Open House gatherings at the parsonage, and seminars for potential new members will include the invitation for each to tell at least some small part of her or his story.
The church’s website and monthly newsletters will be used to communicate coming events, reflections, and reports of the progress of the project as developments occur.
Devotional exercises, led by the pastor, such as drawing or graphing one’s spiritual storyline will be utilized.
Bible study participants will be asked to consider what they can take away from the day’s lesson into their week ahead, and then, at the subsequent meeting, asked to tell the story of how it went. Thereby directly involving them in the act of connecting their stories to the Bible stories.
Those who are willing will help create a Lenten devotional booklet similar to Guideposts, or The Upper Room.
Worship services will include brief statements by the laity sharing some aspect of their faith journeys. (One such event occurred without warning on Sunday, October 25, 2009 when a woman spontaneously asked to speak to the congregation during the Joys and Concerns part of the worship service.)
Volunteer interviewers will be recruited to go visit volunteer interviewees of the congregation. Ideally, interviews will be approximately 45 minutes long. Training for interviewers will include development of a code of conduct and a discussion of good open-ended questions to facilitate shared story telling. (Interviewees will know, of course, that the conversation shared is part of a larger information gathering project, but will be reminded explicitly to avoid private or sensitive areas to assure there will be no issues involving embarrassment or confidentiality. Interviewers will be given an opening statement to that effect but also will be coached to recognize potentially sensitive areas before secrets are spilled.)
The volunteer interviewers will then meet together regularly to discuss and compile the narratives shared, seeking to discern the movement of the Spirit among the stories of the people. The interviewers, together with the pastoral staff and interested members of the Education committee, will attempt to draw linkages and connections with our people and the human story within the Divine narrative, that is, with the people in the Bible—their strengths, weaknesses, failures, hopes and aspirations—as they experienced God. The men and women of the Old and New Testament had their own obstacles to faith and understanding. This project seeks to discover and design a way to connect the people of First UMC to the people of scripture.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Biblical illiteracy – not a technical term but one suggesting a gross lack of knowledge of the contents, characters, purpose or history of the Bible.
Congregation – a collective term for the people relating to a specific church, in this case, the First United Methodist Church of Somerville, NJ. The term, generally but not exclusively refering to the laity, includes both members and constituents, i.e., persons who have not formally joined but would be reasonably expected to turn to the respective pastor when pastoral services are desired.
Connection – an extension of one’s boundaries to touch or include another. An identification or resonance with some other person, place, time or thing.
Narrative – a reasonable, recognizable line within a story, or the overarching story itself, implying a movement of plot or development of characters.
Obstacle – an impediment, blockage, boundary or hazard preventing further movement or travel. In this context, those mental, spiritual, emotional, educational, temporal, tempermental, or apptitudinal forces preventing progress in reading, understanding or connecting with scripture.
Spiritual – pertaining to non-material, implying an intentional consciousness and will separate from but often residing within the physical body, ascribed to both God and humans but also in a more generalized way to non-sentient entities, as in “the spirit of the times.” Used here to describe a particular aspect of our existence and its need to be nourished and nurtured.
Story – similar to narrative and sometimes used interchangeably. Always includes character, context and plot but may also include conflict, resolution, climax and denouement.
Volunteer – an individual freely offering and providing service.
EVALUATION
1. Questionnaire for interviewer volunteers.
2. Questionnaire for interviewee volunteers.
3. Pastor to contact interviewees for feedback.
4. Questionnaire for non-volunteers, (Members and constituents of the congregation who did not take an active part in the project but were aware of it throughout the project period.)
5. Creation of the devotions book.
6. Feedback from project lay advisory team, education and discipleship committees.
7. Evidence that more people have decided to pick up their Bibles and read.
TIMELINE
2009 (Pre-Project Period)
June: Summer Intensive, first and second drafts of Prospectus
August – December: Pre-project period for reading and prayer for the pastor, and preparation of the congregation for the recognition and development of a culture of narrative, story, story-telling, connection, sharing of faith journeys, etc. Discussions of the project and the degree program will continue to be discussed, as they have since September 2008, with the Discipleship Committee, a group of church leaders who have sought to promote the concept of “discipleship” over “membership” and “stewardship.”
September 1: Newsletter to introduce project concept to congregation. Pastoral visitations to feature open-ended, non-threatening, non-invasive questions intended to allow laity to tell their stor(ies). Pastor will develop some sense of efficacy of particular questions and phrases in stimulating desired response.
September 15-16: Topic Approval Seminar
October 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Comments, discussion, input solicited.
October 27-28: Prospectus Approval Seminar
November 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Comments, discussion, input solicited.
November 17: Capital campaign begins: needed to repay endowment for accessiblity project. Story of project told, including deficiencies of 1929 design. Begin telling of stories of persons needing the elevator. (Minimum: three during a five week period. Major donors to begin telling story of their commitment to the project. (Minimum: three during a five week period.)
December 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Comments, discussion, input solicited.
2010
January – April: Project Period
Jan 1- Mar 5: Early project period—Discovery
Pre-project preparations continue.
Open House Events at the Parsonage begin.
Volunteer interviewers trained.
Conversations with interviewees.
Identification of obstacles.
January 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Comments, discussion, input solicited.
January 3: First of five Sundays with two services: a simple, quiet communion at 8:30 AM, the 10 AM service will feature a video or Powerpoint presentation, followed by discussion. Jan 3 topic to be determined.
January 5-8: Sometime during Week One, probably Wednesday, Jan. 6 (Epiphany) a one-time training event will be held to convey to the Interviewers a summary of what the pastor learned and experienced from readings, visitations, and conversations during the pre-project period. The opening statement regarding goals of the project and interview, and the need to avoid sensitive matters, (a non-confidentiality agreement) will be presented and perfected for use at each interview.
January 8, 9 or 10: Open House at the Parsonage events begin.
January 10: Second of five Sundays with two services. Theme: “Let the Story Guide You,” video by Donald Miller. Story of Joseph.
January 17: Third of five Sundays with two services. Theme: “Life is a Story, Make yours Count,” Part 2 of Donald Miller video.
January 24 & 31: Last two Sundays with two services. Theme: “First UMC Story and Context,” Powerpoint presentation using ministry audit data.
January 9 – Mar 5: Weeks Two through Nine: Interviewers will meet with at least one person or family per week, keeping a journal of their experiences and keeping the interviewees in prayer. It is estimated that the interviews will last 30-40 minutes with friendly conversation on either end of the interview to assure a pleasant experience for all. Interviewers will gather once a month to share experiences and advice with one another; pastor attends also, of course.
February 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Evaluative comments solicted as described in “Evaluation” section, items 2, 3 and 5, above.
February 17 – March 31 (Wednesdays) Lenten study, Topic to be determined.
Mar 6 - Apr 30: Later project period—Design.
Conversations with interviewers, staff and Educ. Committee.
Identification of connections.
Design of teaching/learning possibilities.
March 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Evaluative comments solicted as described in “Evaluation” section, items 2, 3 and 5, above.
March 6 – Apr 30: Weeks Ten through Eighteen: Interviews concluded. Open Houses continue. Volunteers continue to tell their stories in worship services. Story-telling themes continue in sermons, meetings, publications. Interviewers meet together once or twice a month to identify themes in the gathered narratives; discuss biblical narratives; discuss potential connections; discuss obstacles; discuss innovative, “outside the box” and compassionate ways to present some of these connections to the congregation. (Baking bread and hearing scriptural references to bread. Healing, cooking, hospitality, craftmanship, loss, bereavement, transformation and similar themes can be similarly presented. Drama, painting, wall art and décor can convey theological terms like grace, reconcilitation, majesty, etc. Hunting, fishing, chariots, boating, carpentry, weapons and battles may interest others.)
April 1: Maundy Thursday Service and Communion
April 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Evaluative comments solicted, using all items 1-5, as appropriate, described in “Evaluation” section above.
April 2: Community Good Friday Service
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 21: Donna Ciango to meet with Lay Advisory Committee
May 1: Newsletter to report progress of project to congregation. Evaluative comments solicted, using all items 1-5 as appropriate, described in “Evaluation” section above.
May - December: Writing Period
2011
January 15: Submission of draft of project thesis to advisor
March 15: Submission of project thesis to second reader
April: Exit interviews with advisor and second reader
May: Graduation
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Biblical/Theological
Anderson, Bernhard W. The Unfolding Drama of the Bible. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1988.
Brown, Robert McAfee. The Bible Speaks to You. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1952.
González, Catherine Gunsalus. Difficult Texts. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: Remix. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2006.
Rice, Charles L. The Embodied Word: Preaching as Art and Liturgy. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1991.
Wink, Walter. The Bible in Human Transformation: Toward a New Paradigm for Biblical Study. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1973.
Methodological
Aaseng, Rolf E. A Beginner’s Guide to Studying the Bible. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1991.
Anon. Fifty Year Anniversary, 1929-1979. Somerville, New Jersey: First United Methodist Church of Somerville, 1979.
Anon. One Hundred Fifty Years of Methodism in Somerville, N. J., 1830-1980. Somerville, New Jersey: First United Methodist Church, 1980.
Bandy, Thomas G. Introducing the Uncommon Lectionary: Opening the Bible to Seekers and Disciples. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006.
Bass, Diana Butler. The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church. Herndon, VA: The Alban Institute, 2004.
Bell, John L. and Graham Maule. Jesus and Peter: Off-the Record Conversations. Chicago: GIA Publications, 1999.
Benson, Dennis. Creative Bible Studies. Loveland, CO: Group Books, 1985.
Burke, Carl F. God is for Real, Man. New York: Association Press, 1966.
Burke, Carl F. Treat Me Cool, Lord. New York: Association Press, 1968.
Burke, Carl F. God is Beautiful, Man. New York: Association Press, 1970.
Cain, Terry. What Your Minister is Afraid to Tell You About the Bible. Saratoga, CA: R&E Publishers, 1993.
Cook, Cathy A. Telling the Old, Old Story to a New, New World; Community Storytelling as Post-Modern Worship. Madison, N.J., Drew University, 2003.
Christensen, Michael J., ed. Equipping the Saints: Mobilizing Laity for Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000.
Foss, Michael W. Power Surge: Six Marks of Discipleship for a Changing Church. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000.
Granberg-Michaelson, Wesley. Leadership from the Inside Out: Spirituality and Organizational Change. New York: Crossroad, 2004.
Grassi, Joseph A. The Hidden Heroes of the Gospels. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1989.
Huebsch, Bill. Dreams and Visions: Pastoral Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation. New London, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2008.
Jacobson, Diane L., and Robert Kysar. A Beginner’s Guide to The Books of the Bible. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1991.
Kinnaman, David, and Gabe Lyons. Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity…And Why It Matters. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008.
Kotter, John P. Leading Change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1996.
Long, Thomas G. The Senses of Preaching. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988.
McNabb, Bill, and Steven Mabry. Teaching the bible Creatively: How to Awaken Your Kids to Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1990.
Menking, Stanley J., and Barbara Wendland. God’s Partners: Lay Christians at Work. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1994.
Moore, Charles W., and Robert Bittner. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Faith. Indianapolis: Penguin, 2006.
Nappa, Mike, and Amy Nappa. Bore No More! 70 Creative Ways to Involve Your Audience in Unforgettable Bible Teaching! Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 1995.
Nouwen, Henri J.M., Creative Ministry. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1971.
Savage, Carl, and William Presnell. Narrative Research in Ministry: A Postmodern Research Approach for Faith Communities. Louisville: Indian University Press, 2006.
Schnase, Robert. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007.
Schnase, Robert. Five Practices: Intentional Faith Development. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008.
Smith, Jeff. The Frugal Gourmet Keeps the Feast: Past, Present, and Future. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1995.
Sweet, Leonard. The Gospel According to Starbucks. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook Press, 2007.
Van Ness, Patricia W. Transforming Bible Study With Children: A guide for Learning Together. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991.
Winseman, Albert L. Growing an Engaged Church: How to Stop “Doing Church” and Start Being the Church Again. New York: Gallup, 2007.
Devotional/Spiritual
Bass, Dorothy C., ed. Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997.
Bass, Diana Butler. Strength for the Journey: A Pilgrimage of Faith in Community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2002.
Brown, Patricia D. Paths to Prayer: Finding Your Own Way to the Presence of God. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2003.
Miller, Donald. Let Story Guide You. www.bluefishtv.com, 2009.
McKnight, Scot. Praying with the Church: Following Jesus Daily, Hourly, Today. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2006.
Norris, Kathleen. Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Evaluation
Bradburn, Norman M., and Sudman, Seymore. Asking Questions: The Definitive Guide to Questionaire Design—For Market Research, Political Polls, and Social and Health Questionaires. Wiley, John & Sons, Inc., 2004.
Foddy, William. Contstructing Questions for Interviews and Questionaires: Theory and Practice in Social Research. Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Hudson, M. When Better Isn’t Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st Century Church. Washington, D.C.: Alban Institute, 2004.
Hudson, M. Evaluating Ministry: Principles and Processes For Clergy and Congregations. Washington, D.C.: Alban Institute, 2004.
Krueger, Richard. Developing Questions for Focus Groups: Focus Group Kit Series, Volume 3, Sage Publications Inc., 2004.