Author Archives: scott simmons

Churches and organizations often focus on “outreach” as an essential part of their mission. However, “outreach” implies that the ones reaching out have something of value to give to or bring to the other, who obviously have something lacking. The term and practice of outreach often unwittingly set up unbalanced systems, where the powerful give to the powerless, the haves give to the have nots, and where there is often a lack of mutuality and equality. Neighboring, on the other hand, is primarily a relational term which implies that we are equals to begin with, with each of us having both gifts to share and needs to be addressed.   

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.    Romans 15:2

A change management practice that helps persons and organizations identify and respond to the opportunities that emerge through the disruption of change. In short, practitioners are asked to identify and name the intellectual, philosophical, theological and emotional biases which often cloud our perceptions and understandings of what is happening in the midst of change. These biases are then set aside, but not abandoned, so that the person or group can more fully be present (presencing) to the challenges and opportunities that are emerging from the ongoing process of change. With a clearer and unbiased view of the situation, it is easier to embrace the emergent future and adapt to it.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13

A form of group and personal discernment using the stories of our own encounters with God and how they tie into God’s broader story as revealed in Scripture and the history of faith. How is our story a part of God’s story? 

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

The counterpart to the Radical Welcome, which too often assumes that one controls the welcoming environment or space, and, as such, creates a power differential. Radical Yes is the practice of saying Yes unequivocally to the invitation of the other into their space, therefore taking the role of the guest and ceding power to the other. It also opens up an opportunity to think about hospitality differently. How do we, as guests, extend hospitality to our hosts?

Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’  And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.  Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house.  Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you;  cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’  Luke 10: 5-9