One of the clergy groups I belong to has a weekly practice of asking questions - the Friday Five, it's called.
Someone starts a thread, inviting reflections on a theme - they can be fun and spontaneous (hobbies, animals); practical (recipes or theological resources), they can be share-able (liturgical tips or community development ideas)
In all of them, as clergy respond, we are sharing more than just the basics: because we are being intentional about going deeper into the topic at hand. A Friday Five on food, for example, can lead beyond recipes and go-to snacks, into memories and meanings. The group is a safe space for connecting with a wider audience about the gifts we've been given and the interests in our hearts.
Often, a basic question can be quite revealing - when we're willing to answer honestly with ourselves, and if we feel comfortable sharing with the questioner. There's a trust involved, and respected, and appreciated: there's no judgement when peoples' responses are different - they're self-sharing, not assessments. In fact, these questions and engagements often help to build community, and establish or strengthen friendships.
So I wonder what would happen if we were all willing to go deeper - to ask the questions, to truly listen to the answers! To be grateful for the sharing, and to be intentional with the time spent. The engagement over questions and answers can be prepared inquiries or casual coffee-chat; the important thing is that they are a care-full connection with a brother or sister in Christ.
So, a quick five for you to ponder...
Who would you want to have a Q&A session with?
What would you ask them?
What would you want them to ask you?
What's the best question you've ever been asked (and what made it the best)?
What questions do you have about the Bible/faith/church?
Re: the best question. When I was about 12, the assistant priest of my church (St. Crispin's Scarborough, Ont.) had a question and answer session instead of a sermon one Sunday. I asked him how a good God could send people to hell after they die. His explanation went deeper than my thinking then of almost literal fires and demons. His words sent me on a lifelong quest to explore the concepts of why there is suffering, particularly natural evil etc. and how or if God can be both omnipotent and all powerful. I've found at least some answers that are satisfying to me although more questions have formed over the years. Thank you for these blogs - Janice Kenefick.
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