I’m Trading the “Big Tent”
Editorial by Rev. Jon Brown
There have been numerous blog posts making their way around the web, filled with imagery of a “shrinking big tent” or even the declaration that the “big tent” has collapsed. Apparently the work and tone of Jurisdictional Conferences held around the US this past year didn’t go as some hoped.
Many are saying those elected and the aspirational resolutions were the crossing of the Rubicon, the evidence of the downward spiral of “progressivism” that is plaguing the church. Others even go so far as to say that the UMC has already fractured to the point that the idea of there being room for everyone is non-existent. Thus, nothing can turn back time or reestablish the trust needed for this all to work out. Now is the time to get out while the “getting is good.”
The problem I find behind the obituary of the “big tent” is the image of the “big tent” itself. Like all metaphors, when pushed too far, they will crumble. I never liked the term even though I’ve labeled myself a “big-tent” guy. It fell short in my mind. A big tent was about having enough space under the canopy together, but that also allowed humans do what comes naturally - to cloister off with those that fit our brand. Sure we can be polite with those sharing space (especially when the stakes seem low), but that is usually the extent of it. Once we hear of an action or thought we are not keen on, the factions become clear. Too often we experience a point of disagreement and choose to go to our corner and complain instead of doing the more intense work of listening and, dare I say, reconciliation. Allowing the Spirit to lead us into a sense of understanding, peace, and mutual love - what I believe is the work of holy conferencing - means we might end up in a different place than where we started. For many that is a scary prospect.
Honestly, getting rid of those who aren’t on “my team” would make a little more room under the tent. Perhaps it would even render me a little more prominent and important. You see, the tent might shelter us from the external elements, but it does little to advance the work of sharing life together as the church. Henri Nouwen addresses how the temptation of power seems irresistible because “power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love.”
“power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love.” - Henri Nouwen
That’s why we need to change the central image from a big tent to a table. At a table we have to sit across and beside one another. There, we join hands and bow heads giving thanks to God for the blessings that sustain us. We vulnerably ask someone to pass the rolls along with the pat of butter because we know it is rude to reach across. The table is the place where we look one another in the eye and find ways to make conversation happen. Gathered together we share our perspectives, what God is doing, and even our disagreements. What keeps us seated is our shared need for sustenance.
The old adage is that we fear what we don’t know. Usually we speak of the traditionalists or the progressives as if we know their end goal is to kick the other out into exile. We share what we think is their devious, intentional plot to silence our kind, or even worse, cause harm. We speak of people rather than with people.
Around the table, though, we might find ourselves a better place as disciples of Jesus Christ to hear of the convictions and stories shared in the breaking of bread. Sure; it may not change our perspective or beliefs about how we might do the particular work God is calling us to do, but we will know the heart of each other a little better. Who knows? Gathering around the table, we might realize the Host was who brought us together in the first place and come to encounter a truly mysterious thing called grace.
