by Catherine Dafoe Hall
Yes We Can
In January, hope was born in American hearts as they celebrated the inauguration of a new president, Barak Obama. In his inaugural address he began in an unusual fashion.
Obama addressed the people saying, "My fellow citizens." In the last generation most presidential addresses have begun with the words, "my fellow Americans."
Some commentators speculated on the meaning of Obama's shift in language. They suggest that the word "citizen" is intended to call people to greater responsibility in civic life. Certainly that is supported by the words Obama used over and over during his campaign, "Yes we can."
So, what do Barak Obama and his inaugural address have to do with congregational development?
Congregational development is a "yes we can" project. It can't be done by one person. It can only be done by a community. The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer tells us this very clearly.
Question: What is your work as a lay member of the Church of God?
Answer: To take my part in its worship, labours, and councils, according to the gifts of grace that God has given me, and to pray, work, and give for the spread of his kingdom.
The Book of Common Prayer and our Baptismal Covenant call us all to greater responsibility in church life.
Christians have a distinct advantage in congregational development — God wants faithful churches that will serve the world and work for the "spread of his kingdom," God is on our side in the task of congregational development. So, when we work together with one another and with God the task of congregational development is then an act of faith and hope, and God and the people together can say, "Yes WE can."
