‘A problem only exists in the absence of the right conversation…’
I first heard this quote from a good friend of mine, Jim McNeish, and whenever I feel things are going round in circles or the same perceived problem keeps being revisited it often springs to mind.
As Scotland currently hosts COP26 I wonder what conversations are taking place, and what ones are perhaps still missing.
Last month during our Canopy conference thousands of us across Scotland were able to join together and engage with some incredibly challenging and insightful teaching, and consequently, conversations. The seminars provoked some fascinating opportunities for questions and discussion, and it’s been encouraging to hear of so many Baptist churches using these seminar resources to initiate further discussion and action.
There have been so many conversations around COP26, and how we can respond as Christians, both as churches and with a personal responsibility, so we have created a section on our website here with heaps of handy resources all in the one place!
With the clocks gifting us an extra hour and these darker, cosier days arriving, we can also embrace a new sense of introspection; a deeper examination of how we feel, and how the changing season impacts us, and our wellbeing. Sometimes problems feel larger or less manageable and so creating space to listen to God, to reflect and have those important and perhaps missing conversations, and a focus on prayer become even more significant.
We hear this month from Ruth Rice, Director of Renew Wellbeing centres, and Cathcart Baptist Church who have recently launched their centre, as they share the amazing ways God called them to create these wonderful spaces created for just that, in their communities.
And a man who is also very mindful of the importance of the right conversations is Alan Donaldson, who gives us some great insights into his new role as General Secretary to the European Baptist Federation. Alan speaks to some of the challenges and incredible growth seen across Europe and suggests ways we in Scotland could become involved.
As the world around us changes; as climate talks are what most of the world seem to be talking about; as we edge from autumn to winter and prepare for another new season… may we be mindful of the problems we perceive to be on our radar; may we notice what conversations are missing; and may we create the spaces to explore these, knowing they could just change everything.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4 v 6
By Lyndsay Cameron-Ross, Communications Lead and Editor of Connect
