Power Shift

In making a commitment to listen and become a better listener, and in exercising that commitment during a listening campaign, I’ve seen people’s lives changed. I’ve seen congregations change. Together, during the last three years, we’ve seen this very thing, haven’t we?

For listeners, the shift happens as they experience themselves as powerful, maybe for the very first time. Building community builds power, and power is simply to be able—the ability to act. Listeners find they are able to listen, able to build relationship and community, able to work together with others create solutions to problems. 

We all know what powerlessness feels like. The listening team, the “Hope in Action” team, and so many other St. Paul people also know what it’s like to feel powerful—thanks to the ministry of this congregation.

The gospel speaks of Jesus being “full of the power of the Holy Spirit.” This resurrection power is what Christ offers each of us, even as Christ also asks us to take a leap of faith.