Where is God?

It seems like such a simple and important question. I am sure though that the doubt expressed in it might either alienate, or perhaps intrigue. Yet it is, I think, one of the more important questions that we can ask these days.

For years we have done church with the firm belief that God is here, and we are doing what God wants. In some ways we have so easily assumed God's presence that we have simply begun to ignore God all together.

Where is this coming from?

Well, I am working with my church council on planing for next year. And there is much pressure and desire to do "Strategic Planning." Now I am sure strategic planning has its place somewhere (I am not quite sure where any more). Some how, having a bunch of people sitting around for a weekend, likely with some out side facilitator, coming up with a plan for the next three -five years just seems to be missing the point.

As my spiritual director said, "The church has been doing strategic planning for seventy years and it has never worked"

I wonder if the problem is that it is just the wrong model. Instead of setting up our plan, perhaps we need to begin by asking a different question. Where is God?

Where is God moving?

Where is God in the community around us?

How has God been equipping us? What Gifts has God given us? What opportunities?

Where is God calling us?

Sure have a retreat, but don't stop there. If we are asking where God is. Our task is not strategic planning, it is discernment. And discernment is an ongoing process.

It involves prayer; many conversations; research; try things; failing; learning; watching.

It is an ongoing process, that carries with it surprises.

Where is God? That is question that can lead us.