Creativity Keeps the Crises at Bay

During my time at VST, my growing edge often came through my desire to have one foot in the classroom and the other rooted in congregational life. The question I often raised was “So what? How does what we are discussing inform ministry beyond academia?” I learned how to be open to a wide variety of perspectives that expanded my own approach to integration and learning. It’s probably why I was intentional with my choices of theological field education. I sought out different congregations who were facing decisions about their future or were recovering from significant events. 

What has challenged and inspired me in congregational life has been breaking down silos and unhealthy patterns, while building up and strengthening lay leadership. We have been focused far too long on numbers and our own internal stuff. It takes a great deal of effort to shift away from this focus and to encourage curiosity and experimentation of how we do ministry and how we are to engage with the community around us. I am encouraged when individuals and parishes see that they are part of something greater than themselves and are willing to share and collaborate in new ways of ministry.

Theological colleges will want to continue to be nimble and adaptive in a changing world, especially when we aren’t sure what the future will look like. Leaders will need practical models of how to maintain spiritual and physical well-being, especially when we are living in uncertainty. There are interesting possibilities for theological field education in areas of the church beyond high-density urban settings. Creative ministry is very much a part of rural and remote community life and, I believe, has wisdom to offer to the rest of the church. I would like to see continued opportunities for further engagement and learning through partnerships with churches and colleges like VST for lay and ordained ministry.

Clara Plamondon is the second Bishop of the Territory of the People. Before her journey of ministry and discernment in the church, Bishop Clara worked in municipal government. She would describe herself as a prairie kid who enjoys travelling, playing tourist in her own backyard, and live theatre. She earned her MDiv at VST in 2013 and received the Thoughtful, Engaged, and Generous Award in 2020.