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Relational Discernment : Moving Towards a Holistic Approach Vonna Thomas George Fox University

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Relational Discernment : Moving Towards a Holistic Approach Vonna Thomas George Fox University Digital Commons @ George Fox University Doctor of Ministry Seminary 1-1-2013 Relational discernment : moving towards a holistic approach Vonna Thomas George Fox University This research is a product of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at George Fox University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Thomas, Vonna, "Relational discernment : moving towards a holistic approach" (2013). Doctor of Ministry. Paper 61. http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/61 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Seminary at Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctor of Ministry by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY RELATIONAL DISCERNMENT: MOVING TOWARDS A HOLISTIC APPROACH A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GEORGE FOX EVANGELICAL SEMINARY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY VONNA THOMAS PORTLAND, OREGON FEBRUARY 2013 George Fox Evangelical Seminary George Fox University Newberg, Oregon CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL ________________________________ DMin Dissertation ________________________________ This is to certify that the DMin Dissertation of Vonna Thomas has been approved by the Dissertation Committee on January 16, 2013 as fully adequate in scope and quality as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies. Dissertation Committee: Primary Advisor: George Hemingway, DMin Secondary Advisor: David Wilson, PhD Copyright © 2013 by Vonna Thomas All rights reserved. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Used by permission. All rights reserved. iii CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v ABSTRACT . vii GLOSSARY . ix Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION. 1 A Discernment Story . 1 Factors Leading to this Study . 7 The Problem and Context . 10 Setting the Direction of the Study . 13 Objections to Contemplative Discernment Approaches . 15 Defining Discernment . 19 Summary of Discernment . 26 Conclusion . 27 2. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR A RELATIONAL DISCERNMENT MODEL . 29 Introduction . 29 The Relational God . 30 Discipleship and Discernment . 38 Example from the Early Church . 48 Conclusion . 53 3. THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR A CONTEMPLATIVE, RELATIONAL DISCERNMENT MODEL . 55 Introduction . 55 iv The Triune God . 56 Lessons from Christology, Ecclesiology and Pneumatology . 65 Conclusion . 85 4. HISTORICAL EXAMPLES OF DISCERNMENT PRACTICES. 87 Introduction . 87 Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) . 89 Contributors to Lectio Divina . 91 The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises . 96 Spiritual Direction . 102 The Society of Friends (Quaker) Examples of Contemplative, Relational Discernment . 106 Historical Avenues for Perception of Divine Presence and Guidance . 113 Conclusion . 122 5. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: ANTIDOTE TO ANXIETY, CONTRIBUTOR TO CREATIVITY . 125 Introduction . 125 The Problem of Anxiety . 126 Emotional Intelligence: An Ability . 130 Differentiation: A Process . 133 Conclusion . 141 6. EMBRACING A RELATIONAL MODEL OF DISCERNMENT . 145 Introduction . 145 Summary of Foundational Chapters . 146 Discernment For A Time Such As This . 154 v Conclusion . 161 AFTERWORD . 163 BIBLIOGRAPHY . 164 vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am filled with gratitude and love for the many people who have shaped my life. The following just names a few. First, to the congregation of Overlake Park Presbyterian Church who listened to sermons sprinkled with lessons from my research and reflection, who prayed for me, encouraged me and as a farewell gift, paid for my last semester of classes, blessings to you! Many thanks to my friends who encouraged me and prayed for me, you know who you are. To the Reverend Canon George T. Hemingway, D.Min., my wonderful dissertation advisor, thank you for the visits in Cannon Beach, the informative and encouraging talks and the hours and hours of time you gave to help me. To my second reader, Rev. Dr. David Wilson, and to my editor, Dr. Donna Wallace, thank you for your constructive criticism and help. To my fellow cohort partners in the George Fox Leadership and Spiritual Formation program, the incredible teachers and staff, you made this an awesome, transformative experience. I’ve learned so much from all of you. Mike Mains, my spiritual director who has faithfully walked with me on my spiritual journey over the last decade, you are such a blessing, thank you. My mentor and friend, Rev. Bill Vaswig, who prayed for me, encouraged, taught, and laughed with me, “thanks” seems inadequate. I can hear you singing with the angels and your beloved wife. A word of thanks is especially warranted for my family. My mother, Yvonne Callahan, started me on my journey by taking me to church as a child and provided me a example of Christian service and perseverance. My six brothers and sisters provided encouragement and loving support. To my wonderful children Tammy, Jeremy, Mark and vii Tyan, and my wonderful grandchildren, you are a source of inspiration and love. To my incredible husband, Gary, without whom this dissertation wouldn’t have happened, thank you for helping me follow my dreams - je t’aime. To Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, any praise, any glory, anything good is because of you and belongs to you. How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me? Anything that is good in me, and all that I ever hope to be, I owe it all to thee. viii ABSTRACT Title: RELATIONAL DISCERNMENT: MOVING TOWARDS A HOLISTIC APPROACH Author: Vonna Thomas Degree: Doctor of Ministry Year: 2013 Institution: George Fox Evangelical Seminary One of the historical models of spiritual formation needed today is the spiritual practice of discernment. With recent changes to PC(USA) polity, local Presbyteries now have more flexibility and authority. Councils must not only discern how and to what Christ is inviting them in regards to their mission on a strategic level; they must decide how they will fulfill that mission together on a tactical level. In the midst of this decision- making, Presbyteries are also determining how to respond to congregations who are seeking to disaffiliate with the denomination due to differences of opinions over new ordination standards. How can PC(USA) councils, which invariably have diverse voices and strong opinions, foster group discernment, engage in decision-making, and follow Christ’s leading in the ongoing mission of God? This dissertation addresses the question, “Would the introduction and practice of a contemplative, relational discernment model in conjunction with the existing rational discernment processes enhance the decision- making in governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (USA)?” This dissertation seeks to make the case that there is a Scriptural, theological and historical basis for contemplative, relational discernment practices and that by ix incorporating the practices decision-making in the PC(USA) councils could be enhanced. To make this case, Chapter One opens with a vignette displaying factors that led to this study. The problem, context, definitions and thesis is also presented. In Chapter Two, a Biblical foundation for how Scripture can inform our understanding of discipleship and discernment is explored while looking at the Biblical witness of the relational nature of God. Chapter Three examines theological concepts that provide support for a contemplative, relational discernment model. These include a perichoretic view of the Trinity and lessons from pneumatology, Christology and ecclesiology. Chapter Four explores historical examples of discernment: the Ignatian model of discernment and its practice of divine reading, two discernment practices of the Society of Friends (Quakers), and spiritual direction. Chapter Four will also review some examples of ways in which believers have historically discerned God’s presence and direction. Chapter Five explores concepts from natural science (human biology) and social science (psychology) that, when applied, could enhance the experience of relational discernment and decision making. Topic areas in Chapter Five include: the biological affect of adrenaline on cognitive functioning, emotional intelligence, and self-differentiation. Chapter Six summarizes the ground covered in the paper and proposes a solution. x GLOSSARY Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is made up of two parts: The Book of Confessions and the Book of Order, as defined in G-1.0500 of the Book of Order. The Book of Confessions has creeds, confessions and catechisms to express what Presbyterians believe, while the Book of Order functions as the by-laws, expressing the polity of the PC(USA), for the four levels of councils within the denomination.1 councils. Councils are governing boards within the denomination composed of elected presbyters (elders). The four councils are: session, presbytery, synod and General Assembly.2 General Assembly. The General Assembly (GA), which meets every other year, is the council of the whole PC(USA) church (G-3.-501). The GA has power of administrative review and control over synods, which in turn have oversight and control over presbyteries.3 polity. Polity is a system of rules that govern a church. There are three fundamental aspects of the PC(USA) polity: constitutional, relational, and representative.4 Councils rely on the constitution of the PC(USA) (see above) for governance. The church is also relational in nature through their participation
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