Reflector’s Statement

At the 2010 Emmaus event, the presbyteries were joined by a team of theological reflectors. Their task was to actively listen to the concerns and best practices of each presbytery. These leaders from across the coutnry carried out their work with laughter, deep faithfulness and hope: 

  • Hans Kouwenberg
  • Janet Ryu Chan
  • Jean Morris
  • Paul Scott
  • Ann Tottenham
  • Cameron Brett 
  • Bob Farris   

At the conclusion of the conference, the design team met with the reflectors. Instead of a narrative, or a series of recommendations, the reflectors shared the following challenging questions:

“What are you discussing with each other as you walk along?”

  • How do we walk with and talk to one another in ways that build trust and move toward transformational action?
  • What do we really need to talk about?

“Were not our hearts burning within us?”

  • What causes our hearts to burn?
  • How does this change our practices?

“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized [Jesus].”

  • Are our eyes open?
  • How will we move from belief about Jesus to experience of Jesus?

Where do we recognize Jesus?

  • How will we repent from the divisive spirits and systematic brokenness in our presbyteries that destroy relationhips?
  • What are the unnamed issues and burdens in our presbyteries?
  • How will we “see” and deal with them?

“We are witnesses of these things”

  • Where possible, how can presbyteries model transformational mission?
  • How can presbyteries be ‘grease’ instead of ‘glue’?
  • How can presbyteries be bearers of best practices?
  • How can we share them?
  • What are the next steps?
  • Who will own this?