The last several years of pandemic and social polarization have exposed frayed places and holes in the fabric of church-business-as-usual. This is true across congregations and faith traditions. Though shared ministry existed before these times, it has emerged as a powerful antidote to congregational and denominational splintering. However, our cultural norms (Western and UU) and previous ways of doing things can disrupt efforts to move forward. Mutual aid is a model of collectivism that can inform shared ministry beyond the capitalistic, individualistic limitations of those ingrained ideals. When everyone contributes according to their ability, and everyone receives according to their need, the whole thrives, and no one has to burn out to make it so. When we learn to do this in our immediate communities, it becomes easier to imagine – and create – a world where such a way of life is possible.
Topics: Community, Hope, Imagination