While catching up on our lives over a cup of coffee recently, a clergy colleague asked me if the MSN effort had re-vitalized any congregations. It was a fair and important question to ask, as he knew that the vision and focus of the Bishop’s Commission on Mission Strategy centered on congregations. I thought for a moment and then admitted that it was too soon to tell. As the BCMS report’s title indicated, the “Rethinking, Reframing, and Reclaiming our Identity, Purpose and Mission” as the Diocese of Minnesota is no small or easily-accomplished vision. Even after a year into the “implementation” stage of MSN, it was unrealistic to expect a long answer. Still, his question stayed with me, partly because it echoed one inside of me. Will the efforts of the BCMS and those working as MSN make a difference – a difference that can be seen and celebrated in Episcopal congregations in Minnesota? And, being hopeful, when would the re-vitalization of a number of congregations be obvious?

Soon after this conversation, I opened up the new page on the MSN “ning” site for discussion around Goal #1, Spiritual Transformation. I read through the then 26 posted comments. From one end of the state to the other, I learned how much is happening in small and large Episcopal congregations to nurture and expand a “more full participation in God’s Mission”. Over and over again, I was struck by the variety, creativity, constancy, and openness of the programs. From singing in the building to housing the homeless, from pledging money to pledging spiritual gifts, people in our congregations are expanding their hearts and their resources. These stories focused on spiritual transformation truly reflect our Anglican tradition of both attending to our being and our doing. I particularly delighted in the story of Taffy, St. Luke’s, Detroit Lakes. Check out her story as told by Jane Besse, a member of the MSN Contact Person Network.

I have only mentioned a few examples from the ning site, enough I hope to entice you to log on to the site yourself. Begin as a reader and then add examples from your own congregation/life to the discussion. I can tell you that I’m emailing my colleague to say that one answer to his question can be found in the comments on the site, in the stories of Episcopalians responding to the invitation to participate in God’s Mission in their own context and beyond. Because we believe through the example of Jesus’ life and death that — when we and our congregations offer ourselves to God’s Mission — we, in turn, are re-vitalized.