Nourishing the Relational Church: A Discussion on Spiritual Nutrition and Community Building
Introduction
In an increasingly fragmented world, the Church seeks ways to nourish its members spiritually while fostering genuine relationships. A recent meeting of church leaders and theologians delved deep into the metaphor of spiritual nutrition, exploring how churches can move beyond feeding members with “spiritual junk food” to cultivating truly nourishing communities.
The Players at the Table
The discussion was enriched by diverse voices. Each brought unique insights, weaving a rich tapestry of ideas on what it means to cherish and nourish a congregation.
A Question of Diet: Stones, Snakes, or Bread and Fish?
Anne Richards posed a provocative metaphor: What if some Christian diets were akin to junk food—empty calories that fail to nourish? Reflecting on Jesus’s act of offering bread and fish, not stones and snakes, she questioned whether churches sometimes unknowingly serve spiritual sustenance that harms rather than heals.
Trauma-Informed Ministry
The conversation moved to the importance of being sensitive to individual stories. Alison Webster recounted working with survivors of abuse, highlighting the need for worship spaces that accommodate diverse needs. “You can’t provide something that suits everyone,” she noted, emphasizing the value of relational processes over one-size-fits-all solutions.
Cherishing as Nourishment
Paul Davies introduced a powerful idea: cherishing as a form of nourishment. “To cherish is to be nourished,” he asserted, urging churches to create spaces where individuals feel held and valued. This resonated deeply, sparking reflections on the need for reciprocal relationships in congregations.
Stories of Success and Shortfalls
Illustrative stories punctuated the discussion. One attendee shared a tale of a new church member who felt abandoned after the fanfare of their baptism subsided. “No one remembered my name,” they lamented—a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing engagement beyond the initial welcome.
The Dangers of Force-Feeding
Alan Gyle brought an arresting metaphor to the table: spiritual force-feeding, likened to the brutal practice of making foie gras. This prompted reflections on how churches can avoid imposing rigid structures and instead foster curiosity and co-creation within their communities.
The Host-Guest Dynamic
David McCoulough offered a chaplain’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of humility. “In a healthcare setting, I’m always a guest in someone else’s space,” he said, challenging churches to adopt a similar mindset of entering people’s lives as guests rather than imposing as hosts.
Closing Reflections: Towards a Relational Church
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to rethinking how churches nourish their communities. Whether through enabling lay leadership, embracing co-creation, or cherishing every member, the path forward lies in fostering authentic relationships rooted in love and mutual respect.
The Church, like a well-prepared meal, must balance flavours, textures, and nourishment to feed its members fully. By embracing a relational and trauma-informed approach, it can truly live out its mission to cherish and nourish all who come to the table.
This was an online gathering:
November 28th 2024
1pm – 2.30pm
