Wanting the church to be there; at the Presbyterian General Assembly - 1994 - Column

Christian Century, June 29, 1994 by Debra Bendis

Wichita

DELEGATES TO the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) were easy to recognize. They were the ones bent over from carrying around overstuffed binders. These minister and elders (292 of each) were committed to a weeklong schedule of meetings, hearings and business sessions--which was still two days fewer than the usual assembly. More than half the overtures that awaited action by the commissioners were related to the now legendary "Re-Imagining" conference. (See news story, p. 634)

As one of 600 registered observers, I could aspire to become a "GA groupie," as one editor called those who come year after year and know all the acronyms and the committee names. One woman had come for a 15th year in order to express support for Re-Imagining. Her opportunity came on Sunday afternoon, June 12, when she was given two minutes to speak--until the small light above the stage turned from green to yellow. When it turned red, the microphone went dead. An opposing view was then heard from, and the procedure repeated.

The enormous Century 11 Convention Center included football-sized auditoriums for special worship services (the first drew over 5,000) and business sessions. This wasn't enough space, however, and many committees traveled across the street to a motel or took a shuttle to Friends University. All this would have turned into chaos without the 1,500 Kansas Presbyterians who staffed the information booth, baked communion bread, greeted travelers, cooked lunch at area churches and guarded the parking lots in 90-degree heat.

In the bagel shop down the street from the convention center I encountered four young people with conference dog tags. A fifth young man stood nearby, and I could not tell whether he was with the others or simply curious about their conversation. They were Youth Advisory Delegates, or YADS--some of the 167 high school or college students who had competed at the presbytery level for the privilege of attending GA. They had been taught about the assembly process and been assigned to committees, where they had voice and vote. They could also speak in assembly meetings but could not vote.

I asked them about the major controversies at this year's GA, and the young man who stood apart blurted out that the Re-Imagining conference had been "disgusting." After a few minutes of angry accusations, he left. The others began to speak up. They were eager to have a voice in the church--something they could work toward by coming to GA. Devin Shaeffer of California thought that the youths' efforts were not unlike the women's request at Re-Imagining for representation in the church, and added that perhaps the two groups had. a lot in common. Shaeffer said he needed the church's influence because he senses that so many other powerful cultural influences are negative ones. He'd like to work in filmmaking and produce films that reflect Christian values.

Hannah Schauer of Louisiana was skeptical about the critics of Re-Imagining. Everyone needs to use imagination in order to better grasp their faith, she contended. Schauer plans to study theater. Jennifer Jordan of Kentucky said little until we were walking back to the convention. She commented, with some hesitancy, "I don't know why, but I am often a moderate--in between about these things." ,

Impressed by the willingness of these youths to share their stories, and intrigued by their view of events, I caught up with some YADS again at dinner. They identified themselves as elders, Sunday school teachers and members of large (25 to 40 members) youth groups. What had prompted them to be in the church? They spoke about youth groups, or about a parent, or of how they were immediately given leadership roles. Or they mentioned a "cool" pastor. After dinner the candidates for moderator answered the YADS' questions. "What are youth to do to prepare for life in the church?" was one question posed to Robert Bohl. "Engage in an understanding of what the church is, how to carry it on ... with an authentic Christian faith," Bohl responded. When asked, "How does the church regain trust?" Bohl suggested that we move past specific issues to ask, "Who are you and I in the context of relationship to Christ?"

Though they weren't able to vote, the YADS were present the next day when Bohl was elected by a three-to-one vote. One young woman commented, "I want to vote for him because he speaks so well, but I'm also a little worried because he seems so smooth." The vote was tallied by computer, and within seconds Bohl's face appeared on video screens around the hall and behind the podium.

The YADS were eager to learn about the process, willing to work within the church structure, ready to talk to those who would listen, prepared to articulate their dreams. They truly want the church to be there for them. That was a witness I took away from Wichita. That, and the thought of Presbyterians gathered not for two-minute speeches in front of a green light but in groups of three or four to share "Who are you in relationship to Jesus Christ?"