Thanks for this, Kimberley. UU culture does often lionize the gadfly, and this often true in other faith groups as well. One question I find helpful is, "What employer has the strongest influence on people's ideas about how to behave in organizations?" If the answer is a nearby college or university, many people have learned criticizing, in and of itself, constitutes a valuable contribution. Congregations (UU or not) where the trend-setting occupation is manufacturing, primary and secondary teaching, or the arts value criticism too, but are more apt to require it to be coupled with constructive engagement.
Great piece. I've been a UU for about 20 years, and have seen the dynamic you are referring to many times and agree that "rocking the boat" without rowing, steering, bailing etc. distracts from the congregation's mission (btw, I'm in the Ann Arbor church and have really enjoyed and appreciated your ministry during Manish's sabbatical). That said, I do think at times clear communication can alleviate some disgruntlement or at least make the disgruntled feel heard. When I was a new UU (new U?) our congregation got rid of "joys and sorrows"and the greeting without notice. As someone just getting to know folks I found those rituals to be a way to feel connected and missed them. When I had chance to talk to our interim minister about my reaction she explained the rationale and how it fit into a different vision for service. I still missed them, but also recognized that it wasn't a random change.
Thanks for this, Kimberley. UU culture does often lionize the gadfly, and this often true in other faith groups as well. One question I find helpful is, "What employer has the strongest influence on people's ideas about how to behave in organizations?" If the answer is a nearby college or university, many people have learned criticizing, in and of itself, constitutes a valuable contribution. Congregations (UU or not) where the trend-setting occupation is manufacturing, primary and secondary teaching, or the arts value criticism too, but are more apt to require it to be coupled with constructive engagement.
Great piece. I've been a UU for about 20 years, and have seen the dynamic you are referring to many times and agree that "rocking the boat" without rowing, steering, bailing etc. distracts from the congregation's mission (btw, I'm in the Ann Arbor church and have really enjoyed and appreciated your ministry during Manish's sabbatical). That said, I do think at times clear communication can alleviate some disgruntlement or at least make the disgruntled feel heard. When I was a new UU (new U?) our congregation got rid of "joys and sorrows"and the greeting without notice. As someone just getting to know folks I found those rituals to be a way to feel connected and missed them. When I had chance to talk to our interim minister about my reaction she explained the rationale and how it fit into a different vision for service. I still missed them, but also recognized that it wasn't a random change.
Love it!
Nailed it.