Cynical about synod?

Have you ever thought about the times when you are cynical about something or someone?

Often around the time of our UCA synod gatherings one can detect a rise in cynicism in the church environs. For some, synod and cynicism seem to go hand in hand! Cynicism is a mood or perspective that affects many when contemplating the life and workings of the church especially around the organizational aspects. I was greatly helped by someone in my past (can’t remember who) defining cynicism as the experience of one who has been passionate in the past and has become disappointed or disillusioned. I found this helpful because it enabled me to take a new perspective on my own behaviour and offered a new approach when working with others. When I find myself offering cynical comments about the church and its workings I now stop and ask myself a deeper question as to whether

I am disappointed about some particular aspect or have felt let-down or disillusioned. This has enabled me to identify where my passion has become compromised or depleted. In congregational ministry or in educational settings - taking this understanding of cynicism gave me a fresh and hopeful orientation toward those (within the church) who appeared to be off-handed and dismissive about the church and its workings. It gives me hope because I then see my task as educator/leader to reconnect the individual with their passion and so ‘release’ them back in to a positive relationship where their contribution is beneficial and value adding. It has led me to define one aspect of leadership as that of reconnecting people to their passion - both within their discipleship and their energy for the good news for them and for others. Leadership is about releasing the energy of others and clearly cynicism is one of the barriers or dampeners to such positive contribution. Learning and education can be a key to opening up oneself to our deepest dreams and desires for our life and for our communities. It can also be an antidote to cynicism - passions lost or surrendered. Learning is so powerful - have you had your daily dose?