Tapestry of Faith: What Moves Us: A Unitarian Universalist Theology Program for Adults

Leader Resource 3: Channing's Theology in the Congregation

Part of What Moves Us

This is a 30-minute activity.

Description

How does our congregation pay attention to our individual experiences of emotional struggle? Is the congregation a place where people can bring their whole selves, even when they are feeling less-than-perfect?

Reflect on your own experiences of emotional struggle, and consider the places where you found support. Sunday sermons? Pastoral counseling? Friendships? Small groups? Working on a service project? Consider the ways our congregation is effective in supporting people who are engaging an emotional struggle. What systems—both formal and informal—work well? What needs to be strengthened? What do we need to do more?

Consider how you could most effectively share your observations and suggestions with the congregation. It is recommended that you name the things that are going well and could be emulated and expanded, rather than list deficiencies the congregation should address. What people or group(s) within the congregation can best focus on the congregation's support for people at times of emotional struggle? the congregation's ability to embrace emotional struggle as part of each person's faith journey?