Sally Morgenthaler spoke this morning at the Forge Grassroots Mission conference in Melbourne. Known largely for her work in the contemporary worship scene, she’s moved in new directions in the last two years. She took down her web site, sacramentis.com, when she realised that the focus on bigger and better worship experiences was not helping ordinary people connect with ordinary people with the Christian gospel.
This morning Sally emerged with curly hair (blame it on the humidity she said), a few humorous stories about dealing with blunt Australian curiosity, and a down-to-earth exploration of what it’s really all about – the recovery of soul, integrity, being who we are called to be. Sally challenged us not to give in to the pressure to project ourselves as successful effective leaders. The emerging church scene, of the ‘missional’ variety, may be just as prone as any other subculture to the sentiment expressed in the bumper sticker, “Back off! You’re standing in my aura”.
Sally’s sessions this afternoon included a candid discussion of gender and leadership. Sadly, even here in Australia, people like Sally are challenged occasionally about their right to speak about issues beyond children and women’s ministry. Makes my blood boil.
I’m looking forward to seeing, hearing and reading more from Sally, as she develops new resources in the integration of humility, leadership and spiritual discernment. And, hopefully, a fresh approach to how we resource the worshipping life of the church.