Categories: uncategorized
Date: 17 December 2010 10:57:33
Ok, I've blogged about Maze before and for very obvious reasons I am not going into detail on the ins and outs of the group, confidentiality is a very important part of the ethos. I did think I might occassionally blog on the process of being involved in starting a small group though, particularly a group for LGBT Christians.
For those not aware of the origins of Maze a little background. Maze was one of those seeds God planted a while ago......an idea of something that might be useful and something which I might be involved in getting going.
The idea really started during Q week in the early Spring when there was a faith night where gay Christians from different denominations spoke. There was a quote given during a talk (which I always get slightly wrong) about the only thing lonlier being a gay person in the Christian community was being a Christian in the gay community. The same evening I ended up doing a spot of listening to a friend who has been going through the process of working out the relationship between his faith, life and sexuality.
Fast forward to September and the Fresh Expressions conference and co-inciding talk from Steve Taylor, (see this post). I was given one of those kicks up the back side from God at this point. You know the sort, off hand comment from somebody else which cuts through you like a knife because you just know that God is talking to you through it.
Anyway, through the study of the literature I know preperation and not rushing into things is vital, as is seeking to be held accountable and checking that your "hearing God" is not just a burst of misplaced enthusiasm. So over the next few weeks I arranged meetings and sent FB messages; first with local LGBT Christians I knew, secondly with local LGBT people both Christians and non-Christians I didn't know who I thought could give helpful feedback, and finally with local clergy. All seemed scarily encouraging, giving me some helpful advice along the way.
November was our first meeting, last night we had our second. Things I am learning already facilitating a small group of this sort:
1) Google maps is not the answer to all our problems. Directions need to be simple or people need to be met somewhere.
2) Don't lose your mobile. If 1 is a problem people may need to get hold of you.
3) Form a team, this has been invaluable for me. The person I am co-facilitating with has been great at thinking things I don't.
4)Remember you are a collective which simply needs some direction and organisation. Whilst it might have been your idea the people within it may need something totally different to what you first envisaged from the group. Be ready to be flexible.
4) Be aware people have different backgrounds and that there are as many different types of Christian experience and churchman ship as their are gender identities and sexual orientations. The only way to approach it is everybody is an individual who has gone on their own journeys.
5) Remember in the organisation the little things are often the most important. It's easier to blag worship you've already planned if the equipment fails than it is not having any coffee! (also a simple lead to plug in the lap top will stop the battery failing and you not having access to the reflection you were going to give)
6) The whole thing has to be underpinned with prayer.
7) Even if you are worried about the reaction of others be ready to be totally honest about what you're doing; just don't push it in their faces. Maze is independant but under the wing of the church I go to. As such I found myself standing in church "outing myself" to anybody not already aware by talking about the group during a service a couple of weeks ago when people in the church were talking about small groups they were involved in or groups they were hoping to start up. (Admittedly TOH had already done a good job of outing us by announcing our engagement earlier in the year, but there was the odd person who wasn't aware).
8) Linked to the above is be willing to explain what you are doing sensitively to others. Be ready to acknowledge that there may be aspects they are not comfortable with. It can be (and has been) helpful to know the "official" church positions on relevant issues and to be able to show how this legitimises what you are doing whilst acknowledging alternative biblical interpretations. (For me point 6 "Conference recognises, affirms and celebrates the participation and ministry of lesbians and gay men in the church. Conference calls on the Methodist people to begin a pilgrimage of faith to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality." is the key which legitimises any group led/ facilitated by a Methodist or held on Methodist premesis which supports LGBT people. Whilst point 4 "The Conference reaffirms the traditional teaching of the Church on human sexuality; namely chastity for all outside marriage and fidelity within it. The Conference directs that this affirmation is made clear to all candidates for ministry, office and membership, and having established this, affirm that the existing procedures of our church are adequate to deal with all such cases." is the key to ensuring that those with alternative views still feel respected and heard.)
9) Be particularly aware that T and to a certain extent B can give rise to different issues to L and G. Often these people find themselves doubly marginalised by groups that claim to be LGBT but can often focus on the L and G because that represents the majority of their members. It can be helpful to have details of groups like The Sibyls to signpost people to for further, specific support.
10) Remember every member of the group makes it what it is. At the end of the evening thank them for coming and contributing. (Giving people the chance to come and contribute and give or leave what's offered as they feel appropriate is important - food can be one small way of doing and symbolising this).