The Form That Forms Us

For one of my Doctor of Ministry classes, I am currently reading Margaret J. Wheatley’s book Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World. In chapter 7 Chaos and the Strange Attractor of Meaning Wheatley discusses fractals which are deeply patterned objects that have a simple organizing process. She challenges the reader not to measure things quantitatively “since fractals resist definitive assessment by familiar tools, they require a new approach to observation and measurement” (124). She argues that, “deep inside the details, we cannot see the whole. Yet to understand and work with the system, we need to be able to observe it as a system, in its wholeness. Wholeness is revealed only as shapes, not facts. According to Wheatley, systems reveal themselves as patterns, not as isolated incidents or data points” (125). Thus she argues for qualitative measurement which is able to observe the whole system.

Two things that stood out to me on how Wheatley related the insights from studying fractals to leadership are:

First, since it is the nature of life to organize into patterns, organizations of any kind can learn a lot by discerning patterns of behavior in their own organization. If the organization only focuses on quantitative data it would not be as aware of patterns of behavior that either effects the organization positively or negatively.

Second, leaders need to acknowledge, “the potent force that shapes behavior in these organizations and in all natural systems is the combination of simply expressed expectations of purpose, intent, and values, and the freedom for responsible individuals to make sense of these in their own way” (129).

Here is my reflection on how all this relates to church: I have to think of the phrase “the form that forms us.” It seems that the form that forms us is partially made up of the “expressed expectations of purpose, intent and values” that a given church holds. What could this basic biblical purpose, intent and values be and how are they taught and placed at the center of the churches life? Here are some basic questions that a church community could continually ask themselves collectively and individually. Perhaps this is a form that helps God’s people to respond to their God given call faithfully.

1.) What are the different domains in which your (our) life takes place and what is God’s purpose for them?

2.) What does it mean to be salt and light in these domains?

3.) Is there a domain that should be part of my (our) life that currently isn’t?

4.) When have I loved God this week? When have I failed to love God?

5.) When have I loved my neighbor this week? When have I failed to love my neighbor?

6.) How can I (we) be a blessing to others in the domains where my life takes place?

 

Perhaps these questions can help individuals and communities discern positive or negative patterns in their life.